Hearts of Steel

Chapter 3

The laughter died down, leaving a trail of breathless giggles in its wake.  Maxine and Luna,  their faces flushed and their eyes still sparkling with mirth,  settled back onto a pair of worn leather chairs.

“Sorry,  Rei,” Luna said,  a playful smile tugging at her lips.  “We couldn’t help ourselves.  You and Cody,  you make such a funny pair.”

Rei, still a bit bewildered, simply shrugged. “I’m not sure what you’re laughing about, but I suppose it’s good to see you two in good spirits. Now, Cody, are you ready to start your training?”

Cody, his face still flushed a deep shade of red, tried to ignore the teasing. He focused on the Assassin’s Blade in his hand, the cool obsidian surface a comforting presence. He had a feeling this training was going to be intense.

“I’m ready,” he said, his voice a low murmur.

Rei paused, a thoughtful look crossing her features.  “You know,  Cody,” she said, “while I’m more of a strategist,  my twin, Rye, she’s a master swordsman.  She’s the one who really knows how to handle the Assassin’s Blade.  If you want to be trained by someone professional,  I suggest you train with her. “

Cody considered her words, nodding slowly.  He was eager to learn, but Rei's hesitation had planted a seed of doubt.  "If you think she's the better choice, then I'll trust your judgment."

Rei offered a small smile.  "You won't regret it, Cody.  She'll push you, but she'll also teach you everything you need to know.  Just...  be prepared.  Rye has a bit of a temper.  And she's very, very strict."

Rei chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.  "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Cody, however,  didn't seem intimidated in the slightest.  His eyes sparkled with excitement.  "Sounds like my kind of teacher!  How do I get in touch with her?"

Rei pulled out her phone and quickly scribbled her number on a piece of paper.  "Just text me," she said, handing it to Cody.  "I'll pass the message on to her.  She's usually pretty busy,  but I'm sure she'll find time for a new student."

Cody took the paper,  his fingers tracing the numbers as if memorizing them.  He felt a blush creep up his neck.  "Wow," he mumbled,  a grin spreading across his face.  "I have Rei's phone number."

Then, without a second thought, Cody pulled out his phone and quickly dialed the number.  A moment later, Rei's phone rang,  a sharp,  unexpected sound,  from her pocket.

Rei, startled,  looked up from where she was leaning back,  a slight smirk playing on her lips.  "Very funny," she said,  a hint of amusement in her voice.

Cody, with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, said,  "I'm just making sure."

Maxine and Luna, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and disbelief, burst out laughing.  They were leaning against the wall,  their heads shaking with mirth,  whispering back and forth about "swoon-worthy moments" and "classic romance tropes."

Cody,  a blush spreading across his cheeks,  turned to his two giggling companions.  "Cut it out, you two," he said,  his voice tinged with exasperation.  "I'm trying to be serious here."

Maxine, still giggling,  covered her mouth with her hand.  "Okay, okay," she said,  "We'll stop.  But we gotta go,  it's almost lunchtime.  Wanna come with us?  There's a new restaurant I wanna try."

Luna nodded eagerly.  "No thanks,  Kira, our eldest, gets all upset if we miss family meals.  She makes the best food in the world,  and we wouldn't miss it for anything."