(Meariri) (Kirasaya) Crimson Nocturne

Training (Part Two)

"We're going to be focusing on flexibility for training later," Mary said as she, Ririka and Yumeko ate their breakfast.

"Flexibility?" Ririka said nervously as she glanced at Yumeko through her mask.

They were both vampires and couldn't risk blowing their cover should they accidentally show their true skills.

Especially Yumeko, who was known throughout Lunaris Stronghold for her insane flexibility skills.

"Sounds fun! Don't you think so?" Yumeko exclaimed as her eyes flashed red.

Ah, she was excited at the risk of getting caught.

Typical.

Ririka sighed internally before nodding.

"...yeah."

*****

"So we just need to do some yoga stuff? And then practise bending here and there to avoid obstacles?" Yumeko said as she and Ririka arrived at the gym, where Mary was waiting for them.

Mary raised a brow. "Just? Are you a contortionist or something? Plus, the obstacles are moving."

"U-Um," Ririka said. "Hanako was a ballet dancer and acro dancer, so she knows a thing or two about flexibility."

"Acro huh, that's impressive," Mary said. "As for the yoga, you guys were supposed to flow the instruction manual and do it before now, you two did do it right?"

"Of course! I can't wait to try the food!" Yumeko said.

"What?"

"Instruction manual, not menu," Ririka hissed in Sanguinarian.

"I'm joking," Yumeko corrected herself hurriedly. "I guess breakfast just wasn't enough  for me."

"Oh, that explains things," Mary said. "Anyway, the two of you have a gymnastics background, right? Fumihita told me."

"What's nasty?" Yumeko asked.

Ririka pinched her arm, making her yelp.

"Yes, we have a gymnastics backsky——ground," Ririka said. "So, uh, what's first?"

"That," Mary said as she pointed to the gymnastics beam.

"O-Oh," Ririka stammered. "Um, we f-flip on it?"

"Yea, like a gymnast," Mary replied. "Did you guys fill in fake resumes or something?"

"No!" Ririka said hurriedly. "I'm...afraid of gymnastic tricks. I can do them, but it's still scary."

"WHEE! HINATA LOOK!"

Ririka and Mary turned to see their fellow comrade flipping and flopping on the gymnastics beam, even doing contortion tricks.

"What the..." Mary said, as her jaw went slack and her eyes widened.

So did Ririka's though it was for a different reason.

"Hanako! Be careful, don't overdo it," Ririka reminded Yumeko while sending a glare her way while Mary continue to stare.

Yumeko took the cue and proceeded to fall dramatically off the beam, landing on her bum with a "thud!".

Mary and Ririka rushed over, helping her up as she winced.

"Ow...I guess you were right, I still need more practise," Yumeko said as she smiled sheepishly at Ririka.

"Leave it to you to always jump into things," Mary sighed before turning to Ririka. "Alright, you're next."

It took a while for Mary's words to sink in.

Ririka ripped off her mask in panic, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide open.

"M-M-M-Me...?!"

"Yes," Mary confirmed, looking at the beam to hide her blush. Ririka was simply so adorable when she was flustered. That mask covering that beautiful face was really a pain.

Yumeko watched on with amusement.

"Don't worry, Hinata. I'm sure Mary will carry you to the infirmary if you get injured," she teased Ririka knowingly while sneaking a glance at Mary's burning cheeks.

She had caught on to Mary and Ririka's growing feelings for each other, and supported a possibility of the two together. It was sure to cause chaos should Ririka bring Mary back as her chosen mate.

After all, Ririka's fated mate was probably a vampire, so she would have to break that bond in order to select Mary as her mate.

There had never been a vampire whose fated mate was a human...

"...though that would be really interesting, wouldn't it?" Yumeko giggled out loud.

"What?" Mary and Ririka said in unison as they turned to face her, both faces beet red.

Ah, they thought Yumeko was talking about the issue of Mary carrying Ririka.

"Oh, nothing," Yumeko sighed. "Silly me, I think I have a mild pro-cussion or something, I'll go to the infirmary first. You two continue!"

And with that, she stood up and left the gym swiftly.

"Isn't it 'concussion'?" Mary wondered aloud.

"Yea, I guess she got confused," Ririka replied.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before breaking their respective gazes.

"So...the beam..." Mary mumbled.

"Beam...oh yes...I'll just...start now..." Ririka muttered back as she felt a tingling feeling spread through her body.

'Am I sick?' she thought. 'Why is my stomach so topsy-turvy?'

She shook her head, deciding to consult Yumeko about it later and headed towards the beam.