My lover, my assassin

Chapter 19

The week went by in a flash and it was normal to find me outside practising my movements with my practice knife. Karma trained with me every day, showing me the basics and drilling into me different parries and blows time and time again so my body would know the movements without having to think about it. I drank it all in, a little bit afraid at how quickly I learnt it all. Even Karma was surprised and he said I was able to hide my intentions, my blood lust as he called it. I didn't know if I should have been proud or worried about that.

My bruises had mostly faded but the one on my cheek had turned a lovely yellow. Karma had made me stop covering it up with makeup and made me wear singlets despite the cool weather. He wanted to make me face what my mother had down to me and it was hard having to look at it every day. I was glad when the marks had faded from my arms because every time I saw them I felt sick and angry at the same time.

I woke up on the Friday to an empty house. I rolled over in the large empty bed to look at the clock and was shocked to see that it was after twelve. Sitting up, blinking at the sun light streaming through the window I rubbed my tired eyes. Last night Karma had decided we would marathon the harry potter movies, which I hadn't seen since money had been scarce. I remembered some of the fourth one before I must have fallen asleep sometime in the early morning. Getting up I walked downstairs, looking for Karma. The house was completely quiet and when I got to the kitchen I saw why. Beside a covered plate with pancakes on it was a note. I grabbed a small one out to nibble on as I read the note.

I have gone to meet with Sensei about a new job. I should be back before dinner. Don't leave the house for anything! Practice your guard on your right side, you tend to drop it a little.

Love Karma

Ps I mean it, DO NOT LEAVE!

I rolled my eyes but I had to admit he had every right to be worried. Twice now I had gone out, with all intention to return but to then meet with trouble. First the attack at Kayano's place and then my mother's interference. Frowning I picked up another pancake, this time putting some jam on it. I was tempted to skip practice today and just read one of the books that Karma had bought me the other day but thinking about everything I had been through in such a little time had changed my mind. I needed to be stronger, somebody that could stand beside Karma, not cower behind him.

With a sigh, I covered the pancakes back up and went back upstairs to get changed and grab my practice knife.

I had been practising long enough to be slightly out of breath and sweating when I heard the sound of car coming up the driveway. I stiffened and darted inside, my heart pounding in my ears. It was too early for Karma to be back. my bare feet making no sound on the floor I put my practice knife down and went to the draw, grabbing out a real combat knife. I swallowed a lump in my throat as I stared at the jagged edge and crouched down behind the door of one of the rooms that was near the entrance.

I willed my heart to slow down and my breath to come quietly. The sound of a car door slamming almost made me jump but I stilled myself as I listened to footsteps making their way up to the front door. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and let all the tension flow out of me as the door opened and the person moved inside. Cursing myself silently I reached for my phone only to discover that I had left it upstairs. What the hell was I doing? I couldn't take anybody on with my small amount of training! I should have grabbed my phone and run or hidden not tried to fight! It was too late though as I saw a shadow as the person moved down the hallway. I saw a flash of dark hair and then I pounced. My hand gripping the man's shirt as I swung the hilt of the blade towards his temple. I would incapacitate him and then call Karma. Hands gripped my wrist, stopping my blow and I found myself being grabbed and slammed into the ground. panicking I moved to sweep my attackers feet with my legs but then I realised he was saying my name.