The Awakened

Chapter 23

I sat there, utterly shellshocked. "So the scars on my back weren't from a car accident?" My mind raced at the newfound information. The pair shook their heads no, both giving me a sincere gaze.

"We tried to stop them from hurting you," James blurted out, brown eyes desperate. "To not do it, you weren't awakened, we didn't know what would happen."

"It's okay, I don't remember it, even now," my gaze wandered to the door where Azura stood perching on the counter. "It isn't too bad to have forgotten everything," I sighed quietly.

"So what are we to do now? I don't even remember how to fight anymore," I stated, dejected. Chase and James looked between one another.

"We can teach you, there's an armoire in this house, I'll show it to you," Chase began to rise, gathering up the three porcelain plates.

"Chase, you need to heal," James let out a breath. "Guess it's up to me then darlin," he shrugged, scooting himself out of his chair. I rose after both of them. Chase lowered his gaze at him ever so slightly as he made his way to the stainless steel of the sink. Chase began to wash the dishes, the running water the only audible sound.

"Well shall we?" James had made his way to my side, his hands stuffed into his black jean pockets. I had to look up at him and I nodded. "Then let's go."

We made our way to the second floor of the house, an area I had not yet explored. There were numerous doors scattered across the walls, however, not nearly as many as the third floor held. The walls on this floor were lined in a pale cream color, the upper half of the walls a moon colored grey. At the end of the hallway was a massive room, no door hiding its expansive nature. The ceilings rose high above, all of which were painted the same cream as the hallway.

Lining the walls of the room were what seemed to be an endless amount of weapons. Swords, daggers, bows, whips, among numerous others sat in black selves that towered above, almost reaching the height of the ceiling. I stood before them, flabbergasted. The floor was made of a spongy grey material that gave way under my feet. My eyes wandered to James who had crossed the room to what looked to be breathable full body suits. He scanned them plucking through the racks. He moved through the sea of red, the same color I had barely become accustomed to over the past few days.

Curls hugged his neck gingerly, moving ever so gently as he walked. He plucked two of the suits from the rack, clicking his tongue against his teeth, as he made his way back to me.

"This should fit you, but if it doesn't we can go up or down a size," he held the fabric up against me. "Though, I think I was pretty spot on," a Cheshire smile crossed his face. I rolled my eyes in annoyance, stealing it from his grip.

"Thanks, but where am I supposed to change?"

"You could change right here," he spoke softly, his eyes seeming to darken. "If you'd like."

I hit him in the shoulder. "You wish," he licked his lips ever so slightly.

"It was a joke you know," he ran his fingers through his tousled curls. "Changing room is over in the corner," He pointed to the right side of the expansive room, to the corner closest to the doorway. "Should be empty, the light switch is on your left," I nodded firmly, striding to the shut door.

When I entered the room, I saw a large mirror in front of me that expanded across the entire back wall. The left corner of the room extended ever so slightly backward to a small room that held a toilet and sink. At least there's a bathroom here too. I stood in front of the mirror looking at myself, my eyes were swollen, dark circles permeating them. My hair glowed under the overhanging lights, bringing out the brownish reds in it.