Into the Flames

Chapter 20

The following week, Jenna was too tired from her training to even think of going out of the house. Her body was sore; a type of pain she never felt before. She went down to breakfast while massaging her shoulder, forearms screaming with protest as she took the bowl of fruit from Gianna.

            “My whole body is so sore I can’t do this,” she complained.

            “Be glad you’re not doing this at Ignis,” said Dylan sternly. “They actually go through processes of pain, along with soreness. Very Japanese oriented.”

            “Thanks.”

            “Not that they would have hurt you, since you can’t feel anything.”

            “I can feel everything you feel, it just doesn’t hurt me.”

            He dismissed her comment with a wave of his hand, and suddenly froze. He looked at Jenna with a smile plastered on his face.

            “What’re you doing? Don’t look at me like that,” said Jenna warily.

            “It’s your birthday today,” he said, still smiling weirdly at her.

            She straightened up. “Oh, that’s right. I’m seventeen now.”

            “I’m the youngest one here, then,” said Gianna, slightly sad. “How do you want to celebrate?”

            “I’m fine not doing anything. We already did that last week.”

            “But you need a present,” said Margaret. “Everyone deserves to be appreciated on their birthday.”

            “I’m fine, really,” said Jenna, now beginning to get uncomfortable by all the attention.

            “Whatever you say,” said Dylan. Jenna narrowed her eyes, suspicious at his sudden drop of the conversation.

            “Let’s go subway surfing today. I think you’re ready to finally fight a Timor.”

            Jenna nodded slowly. “Sure, okay.” She quickly ate the rest of her breakfast, excited for what was ahead.

            Dylan excused himself from the table first; Jenna quickly followed. After changing out of her pajamas and into more comfortable fighting wear, she took the elevator down to the subway. Gianna, Adam, and Dylan were all sitting in front of the screen, making some small talk and just listening to the machinery hum.

            “I didn’t know I’d have an audience,” said Jenna, walking up to them.

            “We can leave if you’d like,” offered Gianna.

            “No. I want to watch her,” said Adam with a smirk on his face.

            “Then sit down and enjoy the show,” said Jenna, looking straight into Adam’s russet brown eyes.

            She walked up to the subway door, where Dylan was waiting for her.

            “I know you like to fight with your fists rather than a weapon, but you can’t do that with monsters, or if you’re in a war. I’ll be watching you and if you need help, just holler and I’ll try to give you some tips,” he said.

            “Thanks,” said Jenna, looking straight ahead. “But I won’t need it.”

            She stepped in, the doors sliding closed behind her.