Infinite

Chapter 9 - Savior Immerging

"I see that you went to the dojo today." The empty stare from Sensei was heart-wrenching. Elixa had never seen her like this before.

"Y-yes, Sensei. I did."

A small smile crept across her lips. Disturbed - The Infection rang out in the background of the room. Still a prisoner in his home. Change the gender and that is how Elixa felt right now. Sensei slunk into the one chair in the lounge, leaving Elixa to stand awkwardly in the center of the room, looking like a school girl being given a speaking to. It irked her, yet she wished not to test Sensei's patience. She had sparred against her a few times and knew that she would be at a disadvantage, much like she was against Zephyr. Zephyr, I need you here. This does not feel right.

"I see that it you brought a guest too."

"I did." Elixa said, shock ran through her body. She must have security cameras up. Which means...

"I saw your little match up, and also your guests face. I must warn you, he is a dangerous man."

If Elixa wore shock before, that was swept away by complete awe and bewilderment. She knew Zephyr? He was dangerous?

She continued, "I trained him once. He was asked to leave the dojo after he gravely injured a boy. He was barely an adult. Of course, we sign contracts saying that what ever damage is done is done with one's own willing intentions. Zephyr on the other hand was out of control. I tried to get him to control his anger and complete disregard for others pain, but it proved futile."

Elixa's mind was wheeling. First to think that Zephyr was not only living in this town, but trained by her Sensei. Secondly, that the gentle man she saw once hurt someone badly, and third that he had anger and indifference to others pain. The last fact was too much.

"He has changed!" She blurted out. Sensei show no movement away from her thoughts. "He has grown a mask, but a man never changes his colours. He may appear sweet to you now, but he will show his true thoughts soon enough. I am just here to warn you. Remove yourself from his life before he hurts you. He is dangerous."

"I cannot do that." Elixa, what are you doing?! Her mind screamed at her. She had never disrespected her Sensei. She was the mother Elixa always wanted. However, Zephyr could not be this evil entity in her eyes. "I have asked him to train me."

"YOU HAVE WHAT!?" The anger in Sensei's eyes was paramount. Elixa felt herself pushed back against the far wall as she stood. Sensei moved towards her slowly as Elixa dropped to the floor. "You will do no such thing. He will only harm you, destroy you. I," She emphasized with an open hand against her chest, "am trying to protect you."

Elixa, looking up at Sensei, eyes brimmed with tears, suddenly felt like her life had taken a huge turn in the last day. Sensei was right. Zephyr was different from those around her, though she did not believe it was in a bad way. He had changed Elixa and her life. It felt more like an awakening than a destruction. She was consumed by him in one day, and the consumption pulled at her. Her emotions played off the music still blaring in the background.

Elixa stood slowly, her hands against the wall. She kept eye contact as best as she could. The heavy music in the background giving her strength, much needed strength. "I have made up my mind. I am sorry. You have been my teacher, but I feel like I can learn more from Zeph-".

The slap came from nowhere. "Learn more from Zephyr? Do not mock me girl."

Elixa's cheek stung violently. "If anyone is showing their true colours today, it is you." Courage? Now brain? It is like you want to turn her against me.

Sensei raised her fist, a fire burning deep inside her eyes. Elixa removed her hands from the wall and braced herself for blocking the blow. Her world slowed down. She had fought her Sensei many times, but never with her in anger. Why would Zephyr anger her this much? What happened to the smiling Sensei she knew? The one who had trained her through all her years? Tears of innocent regretful memories mixed with those of pain and fear. Who was this woman?

Sensei's knuckles crunched up against Elixa's right shoulder, leaving an instant deep rooted pain. Elixa flew into the adjoining wall, but her training kicked in. Sensei screamed and leapt at her, her right hand clenched in a ball of anger. Elixa pushed off the wall, skidding under her. Sensei's fist crashed into the wall, leaving cracks running up it like a spider web, the source right where Elixa's head was. Oh, fuck. Sensei had always said their were strengths years of training could achieve, but this was inhuman.

She turned and locked eyes with Elixa, still lying on the floor. Wild fury danced behind her eyes like a tornado of...murder? Was she going to die? No time to think, Elixa. The first thought she was grateful for as Sensei crouched and uncoiled quickly, a low kick aimed at her head was about to snap out. Elixa pushed down on the ground with all her might and flipped backwards. The kicked moved her hair around her face as it narrowly missed her. She swore she heard a crackling of thunder, as though it had struck in the far distance.

Elixa barely landed on her feet before Sensei rushed her again. Another punch, this time aimed at her core. Elixa braced and felt the world slow again. Sensei's fist, barely half a meter away from her, appeared to stop. There was a loud crack and Elixa felt the air around her warm suddenly as though a fire started around her. Out of the passage she saw shards of wood fly, then her view was blocked.

She heard a shriek and felt a gush of wind blow passed her. The object in her way was a person, shrouded in a dark coat. She could not see Sensei, her punch must have been blocked by this unknown person. How? She felt delirious as her mind started laughing. How could any of this be real? But the pain in her side told another story. The figure moved.

A knee came out of the shroud, striking what could only be Sensei, followed by a swift twirling movement. Elixa heard scrambling in the passageway after a short rasping for air. "I suggest you leave, Hanna." Hanna?

"You will not have her!" The voice was barely recognizable as Sensei's. Rage had taken over, the very thing she said Zephyr could not control. Who was the 'evil' one then? The air heated up around her again and she heard running towards the door, or what was left of it at this point. Her savior turned.

Of course. "Zephyr?" He wore a concerned look, broken only by what would be a bad attempt at a warming smile.

"Are you well?" He bent and gently laid his hands on her shoulders. She winched at his touch. Not only was her right shoulder hurt badly, but his hands were like the sun, burning her like a stove top. He pulled back suddenly, "sorry."

"Why are you apologising?" She asked dumbfounded. He had just saved her, and although the events had not sunk in yet, she was glad he was here. She struggled at a smile, though tears brimmed her eyes. She felt exhausted all of a sudden. She blinked but her eyes refused to open. Before she could rouse the feeling, the depletion took over and she collapsed, feeling only Zephyr's burning arms catch her.