Blood Tainted Rose

Chapter Eighteen: Training

      Shun was in his office teaching Lotus all the traditions, rules, and different kind of outfits that you must know when being a human servant. Everything was a bit over whelming for the girl, however she wanted to do this mission. She needed to know every single detail. When the sun began to fall William came into the room to assist them. Since one of the goals was to get close enough to Kern Silver they needed him to see how she acted. Ryker had mentioned to him that one of his associates would become a General soon. Which it was possible at this point. William Hares was a prisoner and Kea was killed in the battle of Terra. It would make sense if she saw Yu there.

    As her training went on, Ryker made sure that she was using her fan technique. Even the great demon General William Hares admitted that it was a brilliant to have fans as weapons because no one would expect. That way she could bring them with her and if the chance ever arose Lotus would have to fight.

     When fall came around September came along with it. Lotus knew that it was almost her birthday, but no one knew when her exact birthday was. During the year she spent with Ryker and Jiro she never mentioned anything about it. Besides birthdays are just something that you can learn to live without. That was the one rule that Lotus made when her mother died, her birthday ever again. Yasha was a different story since he was younger. All that she wanted to do was to have him live the best life she could provide. That was her promise to her mother, to take care and protect Yasha.

     During one of the meetings with the three commanders of the humans, Tanya Walls said maybe it would be best to stop this mission. Everyone knew that it was her idea to begin with, but the death of her brother changed her mind. Shun tried convincing her that it was her idea to send Lotus. Aria suggested that maybe in order to put poor Tanya’s mind to rest they would cut her hair. Lotus objected to that right away. There was no way she would cut her hair any time soon. The only one that convinced Tanya to back up the plan was Jiro. He ensured her that it would be safe and that it will be fine. Jiro just had a way with words that made everyone at ease. After that little debacle Shun escorted the half-breed back to his office so they can continue on with training.

     Everything about serving demons was different. There were still so many rules and traditions that Lotus was not use to living. Demons were very proud creatures, didn’t take too kindly to many things that were against them, were hot headed, and were very close with family members. Even spending a year with Ryker those qualities became known. Lotus had seen more than once where his emotions got the best of him. However these traits were also in the young half-breed. Though they aren’t known yet, they will make their appearance soon.

   While waiting for Shun to finish up his break Ryker walked into the office. He was holding a little package wrapped in floral colored wrapping paper. Holding out his hand he smiled.

    “Happy birthday,” said Ryker dropping it on her lap.

    “I don’t celebrate my birthday,” Lotus said. “More importantly how did you find out today was my birthday?”

    “Open the present then I’ll tell you,” said Ryker.

    Sighing, she unwrapped the package. A nice velvet box was a necklace. Taking it out it was a small silver rose with a red diamond or ruby in the middle. This was the prettiest thing Lotus has ever gotten. It almost seemed more like a farewell present for her instead of a birthday present. Could it be that? No matter the occasion it was still such a sweet gift.

     “Now tell me how you found out my birthday was today?” asked Lotus putting it out.

     “I beat up Match until he told me,” said Ryker with a straight look on his face. He was dead serious about it. “I really wanted to give you something on your birthday.”