A lot of Amma's training involved Chris ending up either staring a blade in the eyes, having a blade against her neck or landing flat on her ass. It was hard work. Amma was this otherworldly being, and Chris was just a human. She barely knew how to use the sword, and just did what seemed natural in the moment. Amma didn't seem disappointed, and instead of being the angry aggressive ghost nun she had come to know, she was being... nice? Encouraging Chris, shouting out possible moves, blocks and counters. Needless to say, once it was over and Chris put back her weapon on the weapon wall she was drained. Not only that, but she had a whole array of bruises on her body that she had no idea how she was going to explain to Ria.
After their training was complete, she thought again about her fight with Ria, the inexplicable rage she felt. She brought this up to Amma who basically told her that their powers are taken from anger, the anger of God for His betrayal. She would have to learn how to control that rage whenever it reaches a boiling point. Apparently it would be happening more often, and if she ever came close to one of the creatures she was designed to kill, it would reach a level that humans could not withstand. She would want to kill and only kill, full on seeing red, rage meter to 100 type of anger. This made her really uncomfortable and not for the first time she hoped that she would never come into contact with one of these creatures. She left Amma in the dungeon and magically returned to her room. She sat on the side of her bed, entire body exhausted.
It was just about 5am when Chris fell asleep, this time a dreamless, Amma-less slumber, actually restful for once. She woke up to a text from Ria that read 'camping trip this weekend? I have something I want to show you'. Chris' curiosity was piqued and she fired a text back immediately, an overwhelming 'hell yeah I'm in!' as her response. She was still holding on to a little bit of guilt over their fight and she hoped that this weekend would be a chance for them to spend some quality time together. She didn't LOVE camping, but she knew Ria did, besides, she was excited to see what Ria wanted to share with her.
Two more days til the weekend, and honestly it couldn't come soon enough. She was ready for some one on one time with her girlfriend. What could be more perfect.
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This might be the dumbest idea that she has ever had. Like. This was next level stupid probably. She had no idea how Chris was going to react, but she had decided to show Chris who or what she really was. Her plan with this camping trip was to go to one of her favourite secluded spots. A clearing in the woods next to a waterfall and a crystal clear pool. It was their special place. Chris hated camping, but even she loved this spot. It was romantic and beautiful and they both loved being near water. Most of all though, it was private. She had never seen other people there, probably because it's a bit of a hike to get to it. She liked to think of it as their little well kept secret. So this well kept secret will be where she reveals her own well kept little secret to Chris and hope to god that she doesn't completely freak out.
When friday finally rolled around, Ria found herself packing her bags with shaky hands and a knotty tummy. She was terrified. Not just because she was basically a mythical creature. But what if Chris was disgusted by her? What if she rejected her and never wanted to see her again? She didn't know if she could live a life without Chris being part of it. She drove to Chris' apartment, finding her waiting outside looking way more excited than Ria was feeling. She smiled though, happy to see Chris, hoping that this weekend would go well because honestly who wouldn't want to find out that their girlfriend is some sort of circus freak.
Chris got in the car and leaned over to kiss Ria. It felt like a lifetime since their lips had touched. The last time they saw each other those same lips that she felt against hers now were screaming at her. Ria deepend the kiss, a show that their fight was long forgotten and that she was just happy to be here. With Chris. They parted, but stayed close. "Love you" whispered Ria and kissed her again before sitting up and starting the car. "Love you too" said Chris, an apology in her voice, she was still feeling guilty over their fight and Ria could feel it. She hoped that after this weekend they would be closer, more in tune with each other than ever before. She really really hoped that Chris wouldn't run away or hide from her. Fear gripped her insides as she pulled onto the road, trying to keep her feelings from reaching her face, she asked Chris about her week.
They chatted the entire way there, as if they hadn't had proper time to talk in ages. It was like when they first got together, when they could spend entire nights just talking, and then other nights just... talking if you know what I mean. It had been ages since they had taken a trip together and so far it seemed like this was exactly what they needed. Chris was talking way more than usual, which made it seem like she was... nervous... which Ria couldn't imagine why on earth that would be. Unless it was just that same old guilt from their fight still nagging at her.
She decided not to dwell on it, and just enjoy their time together. They pulled into the parking lot that marked the start of a bunch of hiking trails. Gathering their things, they started towards the trail they were taking. It was a tough climb for a bit, but once they took the turn that led them off the trail and toward the waterfall it became easier. They reached their destination without incident, still chatting away. It was just as beautiful as the last time they were here, and Ria couldn't help but pull Chris into a tight hug. She ran her hands through Chris' hair and kissed her temple. "Regardless of what happens in life or with anything, I'll always love you just as much as I do right in this moment, maybe even more if that's even possible". If Chris seemed confused by this sudden show of affection she didn't show it.
They parted with a kiss and started setting up camp. It was later in the afternoon once everything was set up and ready for them. They decided to go for a swim while the sun was still out and the breeze still warm. They got undressed, not bothering with swimsuits, and jumped into the water. They stayed in there long enough for their fingers to turn pruny and the sun to dip beyond the pines. They got out of the water shivering a little, but in no time Ria had made a campfire and they had settled around it, warming up and drying off. Ria decided that tonight would just be a normal night. Just the two of them and the stars above. Tomorrow would come with some big changes so she might as well let them both get a good night's rest, hold her girlfriend close and tell her how much she loved her... while she still could.
YOU ARE READING
Beneath the Waves
FantasyRia, pretty normal as far as she'd always known, is about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Not the healing kind. The 'my family has a secret and I might be a sea monster' kind. Struggling to come to terms with what is real now that a whole...