When Rain Rises

Chapter 28

"I can't believe you're becoming agents after just a month of training!" Davis exclaimed as he talked to Rain. "That's crazy!"

Several days had gone by since Rain's final showdown with the Crimson spy. He and Alyse both had been given some time to unwind before the official ceremony. Rain was leaning against a wall in Aiden's flat, talking with Davis just minutes before the big event.

Aiden's flat was large, taking up the entire top level of a several-storied building. He had an impressive kitchen with multiple stoves, and even a refrigerator. His living room had a large oval table in the middle of it and its walls were lined with variously colored recliners and chairs. There were several guest rooms and hobby rooms that were filled with paintings Aiden had made. Rain had looked at some of them, and honestly, he thought they weren't all that good. Not that he would ever say so.

Still, Aiden was clearly very well off. He didn't have any signs of a family, though. Maybe the life of a Vincent agent just didn't give Aiden enough time to have a family. Plus, with organizations like the Crimson running around, it wouldn't even be that safe to have one to watch after.

Rain now knew that firsthand.

"Yeah, I'm kind of wondering about that myself," Rain admitted. He hadn't really talked to Aiden since he had returned home with his family. The only time since then was by radio, when his mentor let him know that his celebration would take place today, and to use the radio's tracker to find Aiden's flat. "Who knows?"

He looked over at Bianca and Jasmine as they talked on the other side of the living room. He was surprised they wanted to be here for this, especially with how Bianca complained about not wanting to be tied up with the Vincent. He was definitely glad they did, though, especially Bianca. This was a big moment for him. Plus, Bianca had admitted she liked him, and he liked her, so...he was pretty sure they were together now. A couple. That's how these things worked, right?

But then, what would happen after that? She was still leaving Apollo soon, and they had only really talked that one time when she slept over. It was probably way too soon to start a relationship with her or anything.

"I'll talk to you in a bit, man," Rain told Davis. Davis followed Rain's gaze and then nodded with a smile.

"Oh, I got you—go get 'em."

Rain smiled back faintly, but then swallowed hard as he made his way over to them. Bianca caught his gaze and the girls both dropped their conversation and turned to him.

"Hey, how's it going, Rain?" Jasmine greeted first.

"This whole secret society thing has been pretty intense," Rain admitted in reply. "Especially since I'm just now 'officially' becoming an agent. I can't imagine what it's going to be like in the future."

"It's not every day your family gets abducted and you have to sacrifice yourself to save them," Bianca said with a sly smile. "Though I can't promise things will get any less intense now, what with that Crimson guy spouting on about some ultimate plan they've got going on. Seems like you Vincent will have your work cut out for you."

"And what better time to join is there than when things start getting exciting," Rain laughed. "And to think I spent most of my life so utterly bored."

"Well, if you're ever in the mood for some more excitement, you should leave these walls and head over to our tribe sometime. My Dianists and I will teach you how to hunt some exciting prey."

"Sounds like the perfect romantic date, I may just take you up on that."

Bianca blushed. "Good. Well you should probably go get started with your ceremony. There's just one more thing."