{ Shinigami's Eyes } Wattys 2016

: 38

" What are we doing today?"

" I'm teaching you some techniques today that you can use if and when you lose your weapon. It starts off as defense but ends up damaging your opponent pretty good " Shadow explained in his ever so calm and sincere voice.

He has been training me for a few days after I came back from my 'first adventure'. A frown formed upon my face as I remembered how The Emperor almost got me with his heatwave until I discovered that the doors were just Doors not chambers. There was nothing but a wall behind them a façade of a kind and it clicked me that the trapdoor to Emperor must be behind or could be led through the chamber I was earlier in. Emperor came out to be an exceptionally petite small figure. An easy kill.

Finding the poor Lola dead of heatwave and hunger or both only deepened my frown.

Wow! Asana having feelings for your enemy? Way to go!

" It's Okay to feel pity over your enemies sometimes" Shadow started as if he's read my mind.

Maybe he can do that..

" You can even show mercy to them if it comes to that but not at the cost of your own safety make sure there's no way for them to strike back; always stay attentive " He continued as we stood face to face in the gym room.
Today he insisted upon training over the carpeting, "Harder it is to move more mind will have to be put into it" He said in a solemn tone.

" I get it " I nodded in understanding.

" At it again? " A voice interrupted us.

" Of course, she needs training"

" She needs a break buddy " Reap said standing closer to me almost as if in defence.

" Fine " Shadow gave in after a pause.

" Old habits die hard don't they Shadow? Maybe we can spar today " Reap said immediately rendering a smirk over Shadow's face.

" What do you mean by old habits die hard?" I found myself unable to contain my curiosity.

" He was a professional fighter, this man, and they engaged not in some normal tournaments but a win or die' kinda. An underworld community held them every three year and stakes were high and price was even higher" Reap finished with a playful wink.

I smiled too. Shadow was a street punk? 

" That's crazy why did they do something like that?" I couldn't help but ask.

" That's a story for another day kiddo, your friends are here" Reap said as he went closer to the door and opened it ajar for me.

" But we don't have any plans..." I started, bemused. To my surprise my phone started ringing loudly on the nearest chair. Reap shrugged and gave a short nod.

" Uhh! Hello?"

" Asana, I'm downstairs at your place I'm sorry I came without prior notice but we just made an impromptu and I'm here to get you " A familiar soothing voice said between pants.

I looked at Shadow and he gave me a harder nod.

" I'll be two minutes Chace " I said. Reap motioned his hand once again as a 'go' and I left the two reapers to themselves.

I found the copper haired boy and my granny chatting and laughing within themselves.

Hmmm!!

" Hi " I voiced as I closed in on them.

" There you are " my granny spoke cheerfully. " She's all yours " She said looking at Chace and I could only roll my eyes at her.

" What is that you're wearing?" Chace asked looking down at my yoga pants, making me want to hide myself inside my loose sweatshirt.

" Yoga pants? " I said. He just narrowed his eyes at me which indicated he knew that much.
" I didn't have time to change okay? " I said with a huff.

" Oh yeah! We're getting late. Bye Grandy" He winked jocularly at my granny who was sitting across the hall. She reiterated his wave with an amiable and loving smile.

" Grandy? Pffttt" I looked at him for an explanation. He only pushed me forward with ease as he placed his palm behind my back taking me along him. He's strong I wonder who'll win if we two fight?

Damn! Asana thinking about fighting here too? It's break time.
Where are your young adult hormones?
Maybe I should check his behind out.

I purposely fell behind Chace as I slowed my pace, while he rushed towards his car.

His jeans hung perfectly around his waist not too loose as to be coming off and not too tight either. Just Perfectly!!

" Stop! Checking me out Ortez and hurry up " He said without even looking back at me.

I was deeply astonished at his remark.

Great!! He knows! Where do you hit to disable someone's hippocampus? 

" I wasn't " I faked a gruff getting my own door for me before he could like he does sometimes from the inside or out. He chuckled like every fucking time and it ticked me off the same.

The remaining journey to wherever we were going was quite. Not because we didn't have something to say or there was thick layer of awkwardness hanging in the air between us, but because I fell asleep. For the past few days Shadow has been rigorously training me for my next two, "Without any breaks" as he put it, challenges and once Chace switched on the heater I safely plopped myself against his passenger seat and withered into the most needed slumber.

❄️❄️❄️

" Nat " I had even myself surprised by the enthusiasm with which I latched to my friend.

" Ohhh! Asana " She returned my tight hug with same level of elation.

" I don't get a hug? " A voice followed from behind us.

All eyes turned to the source and gasps could be heard throughout Carl's mansion. I'm pretty sure even his servants gasped with everyone in unison.

" What? " Damon said looking around him at everybody's gaze.

" No you don't! you won't call, you won't text, you won't tell us where you vanished " I lectured him.

He opened his mouth only to quickly close it. Ever since he visited me in my room he's been avoiding me like a plague.  Grann told me about me talking in sleep but what could I've said that he never even confronted me over it? 

Vanished? Well he's probably mad because I vanished on him too? 

" We're so sorry guys our family reunion stretched unnecessarily " Nat sighed as William resumed beside her wrapping his arm around his girlfriend.

" Ahhhh!! No Problem " Carl waved " Let's just go before pints are waiting " He said and William nodded in agreement. Only, Those two seemed to be aware of the plans. Everyone followed William 's lead and I felt a strong arm wrapping around my shoulders.

" Come here you, I hope you haven't been too lonely " Carl said looking down at me. A sincere smile playing on his lips.

" I missed you Carlos" I joked in his embrace.

" I missed you too little Asana" He said as he squeezed me closer. We both walked without having to share another word.