We made it back to Hutser's hut, with no further Scylla incidents, within two days.
"Master, you won't believe what's happened!" I exclaimed, running into the small room. Hutser was at his table, drinking tea and reading a very old book.
"Oh, I'm sure I won't. Tell me." He said, closing the book, setting down his teacup and facing me.
"First, Demitri found his old home and we've decided to move in and we would like you to come with us."
"I'll have to think about it, Sam."
"Yes, of course. Second, we battled a Scylla!"
Hutser, who had just taken a sip of his tea, spit it all back out and stood up, his eyes wide with worry and concern. "What?!"
"Sam mistook the Scylla, which had been asleep, as the Valley of the Rocks." Demitri said, coming up from behind me and putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Well, what happened?"
"We battled it using teamwork, as well as a new power. We brought it down with some trouble, but neither of us were injured and we have encountered no more since."
"That's obviously the short version, but I suppose I understand. No what's this about a new power? " Hutser said, sitting down again.
"Sam has discovered the power of Ice. It is she who killed the Scylla."
"Ice?! Congratulations, Sam!" Hutser exclaimed, standing up, opening his arms and embracing me in a hug.
"Thank you, Hutser." I replied, startled from his sudden show of affection. When he pulled away, he beckoned us to the table for dinner, tea and the full story of our journey.
I let Demitri tell it because I loved listening to not only his stories, but also his voice when he got excited about something. The battle was definitely one of those times.
After Hutser was caught up on our events, we all finished one more pot of tea, and then went to bed.
In the morning, my training resumed and I found it easier than ever. My muscles had grown tough from the journey and besting Demitri was easier than ever...and I wasn't trying! Of course, Demitri noticed. How could he not when he had witnessed my fighting best with the Scylla?!
You're holding back, Sam. He said, his voice tough, telling me that he knew and he was not going to accept any bullshit.
Yes. I said, plain as day, my tone a little downcast because I have been caught practically lying about my fighting abilities.
Why?
Because I don't want to hurt you. I answered, which was the plain and simple truth.
Don't go easy on me. If you do, your skills will diminish.
But I'll hurt you!
Don't worry about that. Don't you want to be the best you can be...for Derek?
Yes!
Then keep your skills at maximum and stop downplaying your power!
Newly motivated, and enraged at his apparent doubt, I let him have it. Poor Demitri didn't know what the hell hit him! I chased him from ground to sky to beneath the surface of the nearby ocean and back into the sky, nipping at his tail and wings the whole time.
One time, I got a little too hard in my nips and drew blood. Immediately, I pulled away and we landed.
Imsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorry!!!! I yelped, licking Demitri's wound, flattening my ears and getting low on the ground. It was a clear sign of submission and the force of my apologizing made it clear that I had not intended to hurt him.
