The Dragon Warrior [Completed]

Training

The next few weeks had been unusual. I had never experienced anything like it in my life. Training was harder and so was Marc to understand. Sure, I learned a bunch of stuff and battle tactics, but I really just wasn't feeling it. I felt empty inside. For some people, I was a really fast learner. For Marc, I was slower than a turtle attached to a slug.

He expected me to shoot a bullseye every time I fired an arrow. He expected me to disarm every opponent that came towards me. Those three weeks were hard on me, and even harder on Bree. She could barely talk to me and was fairly lonely. Every time I had a chance, Marc would either haul me away for more training, or just find some other excuse to take me away. However, things were getting better.

After 3 weeks....

"Shoot!"

I was awarded with a whoosh and a twang as the arrow engraved itself into the bullseye.

"Fifteen." I said, miserably keeping count.

Just as I had been robotically plucking up another arrow, Marc stopped me, placing his hand on my shoulder. I flinched, not used to the close contact. Especially not from Marc.

"You've done well." He said, softly patting my back.

Not meeting his eyes, I slowly grabbed my bag and mumbled a "thanks."

"Look, I know you probably hate me, but I just want you to be safe."

Sighing, I stood up and started to walk back to my room.

"Jennifer"

Finally looking at his eyes, I realized he was actually sorry. The blue in his eyes were so light and forgiving. They reminded me of Juan. I missed him and Mama so bad. My vision became blurry as I felt warm water droplets running down my cheeks. It took me a moment to notice that they were tears. So many tears. I just couldn't stop crying.

"It's okay" Marc said, hugging me and giving me a shoulder to cry on.

While I was busy bawling my eyes out, I began to notice that the air around us became heavy and musty. I instantly recognized the scent of cinnamon.

Niko

It was my only thought. If the air was this thick, then it meant he was mad. Not as mad as I've seen him before, but mad.

Was he stalking me?

Also, I mastered the art of talking quietly in my head. Not even Marc could hear me if he was an inch away, which in fact, he probably was.

Someone's jelly....

I said, loud enough for Niko to hear.
The air turned from thick to murky. From the corner of my eye, I could make out the uncomfortable silhouette of Niko, just on the the verge of growling. Motioning for Marc to let go of me, in a quick, swift movement, I turned around and tackled Niko. Laughing like a maniac, I mesmerized the surprised faces of both Marc and Niko.

"Why'd you do that?" Niko asked, pulling me into a bear hug, or a wolf hug....

"Cuz I needed to release my anger on someone." I replied, messing up his hair.

"Ugh. Stop it. You guys are.....just....ew" Marc said, putting hands in his pockets.

I could see a small tinge of pink coloring his cheeks. He was blushing.
I couldn't help but stifle a laugh.

"We are what? Flirting?" Niko asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

I couldn't help it. I laughed and laughed until I didn't have any air left over. I was left clutching my stomach while Marc was just sitting there, somehow amused. I don't even know how I got from crying to laughing. I almost missed the high-five that Marc and Niko had given each other.

"Did. You. Guys. Set. This. Up?" I said, taking short pauses for a breath.

They exchanged smiles and then looked at me. Marc was the first to speak.

"It didn't go as planned, but I- we still made you laugh"

"I hate you guys so much." I said, still laughing.

1 hour later....

"Eeeeeeeeh!" Bree screamed, crashing into me.

"Why did you leave me like that?" She asked, pouting.

"Heh. It wasn't my fault. I had to train....alot. Headmaster's orders." I said, hugging her back.

"I missed you!" Bree said for the fourteenth time.

"I did too!" I said, popping a piece of gum into my mouth. It was very minty.

"I heard there was a Valentine's day party later on." She said, looking at something in the mirror.

"Another one?" I asked

"Oh it's fine if you didn't want to go. You'd probably feel awkward as a third wheel anyways...." Bree said, dryly.

I knew what she wanted, and she wanted it badly. The thing is, no double date was going to happen anytime soon. However, I could try and work something out...

****

"You want me to WHAT?"

"You heard me. I want you to be my fake date for the Valentine's day party." I repeated, receiving a blank expression from Niko.

"You know that Marc would kill me right?" He said, standing his ground.

I snorted.

"What's with Marc trying to protect me and all that? Aren't you my mentor?" Right away, I knew I struck a nerve.

"Yes, it's just that....he thinks of you as his little sister....you know? He really cares about you." Niko said, looking down at his feet.

"Oh." was all I could say.

I was confused. I thought Marc had feelings for me, and Niko was the big brother. Not the other way around. I suddenly realized what I was thinking.

"I-uh.... I'm sorry." I said, lost in my own consciousness.

"So... I guess I can't say no can I?" Niko asked, combining it with a smirk.

"Of course you can, I just won't let you." I said, tilting my head to the side.

"We'll see about that Cruz."

Hello guys! How are you enjoying the book so far? Do you like it? Anyways, hope you enjoyed!

Here are your questions!

1. Do you actually think Niko was jelly?

2. What do you think Jennifer is going to wear for the Valentine's day party?

Thx 4 Reading!