A Life Stained by Scarlet

Chap. 15 - The War Maiden

Once I walk away my smile dropped into a frown, and I start playing with my hair. (So she's here, The War Maiden of the U.S., or The War Maiden of Protection, as some know her. The second one who's known as The War Maiden of death, she's here too. And since the second one is here that means that The Protector and The Reaper will meet again.) Just the thought of that sent shivers down my spine. I had met The Protector several times when I was younger. Back then she hadn't been in the military for that long, she was only 18 actually. It's been about 5 years since I've left and she was about 20 so she's about 25 now.
In this day and age the term War Maiden is actually considered a lost word. It is very rare for a War Maiden to show up anymore, let alone two of them fighting for one country. A War Maiden is feared by all, even if their on the same side. There are three ways for a woman to become a War Maiden. 1) Three or more countries agree the she played a major roll in at least two wars.2) Killing 10 million soldiers from the other countries in their lifetime. 3) Probably the most brutal one, taking out 10,000 soldiers by herself in one battle, and walking away without dying in the next three weeks.
When The Protector was first named a War Maiden it was because five countries all agreed she was a force to be reckoned with. I don't know if she's completely the other two yet but she's a War Maiden either way. Russia, Germany, and Japan, also had a War Maiden. This is the second time ever recorded that there are five War Maidens at once, and its the first time for one country to have two. (It's been five years since I've seen her, The Protector.) A frown forms on my lips at the thought of seeing The Protector again. I keep walking until I hit something and fall flat on my ass.
"Ouch." I said rubbing my butt. "Geez, I thought you were just ignoring me, but I guess not since you didn't even see me walk right in front of you." I look up at the person talking to see none other than Luca. "Sorry I was, thinking." I paused longer then I meant to. "Ya, I could tell. You also got distracted during your match." He said helping me up. "Ya..." I trail off thinking back to what the rookie said. "Care to explain why?" I snapped out of my thoughts as Luca spoke again.
*Sigh* "War Maidens." I look at him to see what kind of reaction I would get. "What about them?" (So he knows about them? Good this makes this a little easier, but how does he know about them, most people think they're just made up.) I cock a brow at him but don't bother asking. "There was a conversation about them that took me off guard. Apparently one, maybe even both, are here." Luca tenses up and I give him another confused look.
He notices and loosens up a bit. "Do you know what War Maidens are like?" He asks. (Well I do but...) He starts talking again. "They're ridiculously strong, smart, and reliable. Well The Protector is anyway, The Reaper is, well..." He scratches the back of his neck. I stare at him wide eyed. "Do you know the War Maidens?" I quickly cover my mouth realizing I said my thoughts out loud. He laughs at my actions. "I don't know them personally, but my cousin who's also in the military, has met both several times." I put my hands back to my sides, "I see."
    We're left in silence not knowing what to say anymore. Luca starts to fidget some before speaking again. "So... um, do you think we could still spar?" I look him in the eyes. "Do you still want to after watching that match earlier?" He gives me a smile, "Well, I don't know who else would want to spar with you now, plus I want to see how good you are for myself." A faint smile appears on my lips. (Thank God, if I didn't have a partner and Richard found out I get chewed out, again.)
    "There's about three hours left so if you want you can spar with someone else. I mean if I don't give you a challenge that is." Luca said giving his neck a little rub. I laugh making him cock a brow at me. "Like you said earlier, I don't think the others want to fight me after seeing that." I smile. Luca lets his shoulders drop, "Ya, definitely after what Noah did the first day." I give him a confused look. "What did he do?" Now Luca gave me a confused look. "Didn't you see what happened, it was during our first training session?"
    I give him a nervous laugh and rub my lower arm. "Well, I actually wasn't here the first day. My papers and stuff got messed up since I got transferred here." I smile faintly. "So your one of the people who showed up late. That makes more sense, but if you were transferred here dose that make you one of the people they wanted here?" He asked putting a hand on his hip. *sigh* "I hate to admit it, but ya, I'm one of them. I didn't say anything about it because I don't want to seem like I'm bragging." I shift my gaze away from him.
    "Why? Noah and I are some of those people and we don't brag. Actually I don't brag, he might." I snap my head back to look at Luca with wide eyes. He smiles, "Geez, your really out of the loop aren't ya? Ha, it's kind of cute how clueless you are." I feel the heat rise to my cheeks, "Being clueless is not cute!" I cross my arms and look away puffing my cheeks a little. "Fine, its not cute, but you making that face is adorable." My eyes widen in surprise and he just laughs.
    I know my face is pink but I turn to him, "Quite it!" I playfully yell at him. "Sorry, sorry. How about we start our match." He smiles. "Fine, but after this round you have to tell me what Noah did the first day." "Fine by me, cutie." "Stooop." "Sorry, its to much fun teasing you." He gives me a big smile. "Whatever, lets just start our match." I said smiling. (It's been awhile since I've had this much fun in one day.)