Lightning Strikes

12

Okay...not doing great with this right now. I promise the story restarts soon. Until then, enjoy filler content and hopefully some action!

Eleven Months Later (27 days in the real world)

Aru flicked Vajra at Kartikeya, who blocked it with an unnatural ease. He was still an incredibly tough opponent, and Aru was yet to beat him even once. But she was getting better, after all, nobody but the literal god of war could spar with her anymore. Even Ganesha had been defeated when he fought her. Since then, it had just been more and more practice.

She sent another sharp uppercut at Kartikeya's chin, quickly whipping around as she twirled the spear back over her head at the last moment. The war god was caught off guard, but recovered perfectly with an inch-perfect block. Still, Aru didn't let the failed trap discourage her.

Kartikeya traded blows with Aru, both of them meeting each other strike after strike. Aru feinted right and then drove left, quickly springing onto her back foot when Kartikeya was not fooled. "Your footwork has gotten a lot better," the god said approvingly. "Guess those drills I showed you paid off."

She nodded, quickly ducking under Kartikeya's swing. She tried to stab, but was quickly refuted. Kartikeya slammed her spear down under his own, trapping it. Aru struggled to free it, finally opting for a high roundhouse to the god's face. Kartikeya dodged, but Aru's momentum was enough to get Vajra back under her control. She grinned and pretended to expose her stomach to attack. She stabbed lazily at Kartikeya's chest, and the god slashed at Aru's stomach.

Only for Aru to slam her spear straight into the side of his head.

At least, that was what was supposed to happen. But against Kartikeya, things rarely went right. He crouched under Vajra and swept Aru's legs out from under her.

Aru flopped onto the ground belly-first. Kartikeya tapped his spear gently on her back.

"Dead," he said.

"I'll get you one of these days," Aru groaned.

"I'm sure you will," Kartikeya said, helping her up. "You're doing great, Aru. Good work today. Your trap with the stomach was clever, it would've fooled anyone who doesn't know you."

He grinned, patting her on the back. Ganesha did the same. "You'll beat him sooner or later. Aru, we're all proud of you."

Aru laughed. "It's because of you two. And Aunty as well, she's been feeding me so much it's a miracle that I'm still able to walk!"

Over the course of the last year, Aru and Piper had practically become a part of Kartikeya's family. Parvati would treat the two like her own children. Aru would be lying if she said that it didn't make her happy. Piper didn't even try to hide it. Aru couldn't imagine how the other girl was feeling — at least Aru had a mother. Piper didn't even have that.

The trio went to get food. Piper was ready to greet them with a bowl full of something delicious, as always. "How'd it go?" she asked.

"Aru almost beat me," Kartikeya winked. "But I still have a few tricks up my sleeve."

Parvati appeared from behind Piper. She pinched the four's cheeks. "Aru, you should be proud of yourself! Now eat, child, eat! Come on, finish at least this much!"

Ganesha and Kartikeya laughed silently until they were set to work on a plate of food as well. Then it was Piper who had the last laugh. "I ate already," she smirked, sitting down next to Aru.

"Are you talking about what you ate in bed with Aru?" Kartikeya cracked up as Aru smacked him, blushing deeply. Piper sputtered. "Oh, shut up!"

Ganesha chuckled derisively as the two brothers looked at each other wearily. It seemed to be their mission to get Aru and Piper together. Not that Aru minded too much. She couldn't even hide her feelings for Piper any more — the girl was really just that cute.