The Fall (The Training Grounds)

The kiss of a stranger

::::::ASHLYNNA'S POV::::::

When I woke up that morning, my eyes were still wet and my head was hot. I couldn't be sick, not here, not now. My eyes slowly opened and I gasped at the sight of the arena. It was daytime alright, but not as bright as you would think. The sun had just began to rise and the sky had a pink tinge to it. The arena was huge, surrounded by mountains on all sides, as I stood I looked out towards the middle of the arena and saw a massive lake, and smoke. Some one had made camp right at its shore, right out in the open. I squinted against the rising sun and saw their weapons, a gun and a knife. I realized that we hadn't all gotten the same weapon, we had gotten what we knew how to use best. I saw movement next to the weapons and a large shape appeared, it was a man..... I didn't know who, i wouldn't know any of them.

"Nice tree." I swore in surprise and swung aroung with my bow up and arrow nocked. I hadnt been paying attention! I looked up into the face a grinning man.

"You!?!?!?! " Oh heeel no! This was so nooot happening. Nopeity nope nope nope. He grinned and raised up his hands.

"Please don't shoot Damsel. I come in peace." Aakar lowered his hands when I glared. "Why do you hate me? I'm super hot and you hate me....i don't get it." He wiggled his eye brows and I scowled then climbed down to my branch to pack up my bag and head towards the lake.

"Maybe its your complete and utter belief in your hotness." I hissed. He chuckled and i whirled around, a fist raised. He frowned and handed me my canteen.

"Then why the frowning and scowling and hitting and shit? And did you just admit I was hot?" I glared again and jumped off the branch landing hard on the ground. Once the pain had passed I walked in the direction of the water.

" No. I. Did. Not. And I havent hit you...... Yet." My voice harsh as I walked.

"They have a camp at the lake. I know where a small stream is." He grabbed my hand to pull me away with him and I gasped at the touch. How nice it was, it wasn't harmful like I expected out of every man. Still, protective instinct kicked in and I swung. My hit collided with his upper arm. I heard the connection and his gasp of pain.

"FINE! I wont fucking touch you.... Just... follow me. Please?" His tone softening as he saw the fear in my eyes when he had yelled and thrown his hands up in frusteration.

I complied and this time, I willing took his hand when he offered it out to me.  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.... My dad...I mean... I'm used to..." He stopped and turned to look at me, tight lipped.

"Your dad hit you?

I nodded and then shook my head, tears now falling freely from my eyes. He whispered my name and pulled me to his chest.

"Its not ok so I wont say it is, but what he did is not right." I could feel his lips move against my head as he pressed me closer to his chest in a reasurning hug.

"You dont understand." I tore away from him, stalking off into the woods, wiping angerly at my eyes.

"Then tell me!" I shook my head, even though he couldnt see it.

"I cant." I said softly over my shoudler. He caught up to me quickly and grabbed my arm, turning me around to face him.

"Please?"

I took a deap shakey breath.

"My father raped me." His eyes glowed with anger and he let out a growl.

"Im sorry, I didnt know."

"I know you didnt, there is a method to my madness." I wiggled my eyebrows, trying to ease the tension. I saw a flicker of a smile but then it was gone.