The Lowly Gate's Guard

Ch. 18: Grace Period (2)

Dean was sweating heavily. He had chosen to start jogging on the treadmill, the clear conditions wouldn't change unless he went at a faster pace than a brisk walk. Well, that's what he had planned, but Arthur sped the treadmill up making him sprint.

If he stopped now, he would have to start all over again. His breathing was haggard and offbeat. He looked down and tried to focus on the digital screen, it wouldn't stay still for him, the sprinting made it go up and down. The screen showed that he had reached two miles after twenty minutes.

"Dean, you need to go faster." Arthur leaned on the side of Dean's treadmill; he was working on his biceps with a sixty kilogram dumbbell. His bicep budged from the weight, Arthur's other arm had pressed the button on the treadmill, making the track speed up.

Dean couldn't speak; with the speed he was going he might accidentally bite his tongue. Arthur smiled, his bicep flexing as he pulled the dumbbell in and out. The weight was insane, but he carried it like it was nothing

"You might've put a lot in Dexterity, but you forget form is important. If you were running properly, you wouldn't be so tired." He grinned. Arthur increased the speed again. Dean could feel his heart beating against his chest, the sweat ran heavily down his head and hit the moving treadmill.

"You've only been lucky so far; I'll whip you into shape after two days. I wouldn't leave a student of mine behind." Arthur laughed.

That's when Dean thought, the Gate Monsters or the Missions might lose the battle of killing him first if Arthur kept this up.

...

Back at Waterloo station, in front of the Mission board, Avery sat against the wall, Tabby on her lap. She was waiting for the two to return. Avery didn't mind because she was able to play with Tabby for longer.

Though it had been around an hour, she was content with the time she had with Tabby. The cat didn't move unless she gave her some of the food, she had brought from the others that had set up shops in the restaurants, but Avery didn't mind. Tabby was adorable with how pudgy she was, her fluffy face biting into little pieces of food was a delight for her.

In front of the board, Sam appeared from a green light. He had a broadsword covered in green liquid in his hand, and a large sack held over his shoulder.

No one knew when people who went into the missions would return. The only indication was a bright green light that shined before they returned in its place. Sam flicked his broad sword, most of the green blood, splattered off it onto the floor. He then slid it back into its sleeve on his back. Sam was alone and exhausted from the side mission. He chose to finish a side mission that was meant for four people.

Avery awed loudly as Tabby stretched out her hind legs to lay down. Sam was slightly surprised, who would make such a sound with how things were now? People are dying left and right. He looked at Avery and then raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Avery didn't notice anyone return, she was too focused on Tabby and her adorable chubby cheeks. Sam went over to her and stood above the two, which casted a large shadow.

Avery looked up to the thing that was casting the shadow, her mouth opened wide at the sight of Sam.

"You're- "

"That's not yours." Sam cut her off and picked up Tabby from Avery's lap. He had the cat grabbed firmly by the scruff of her neck. She hissed after she noticed Sam and went to scratch him with her claw.

But Sam was fast, before she got him Sam stole a piece of food from Avery's hand and stuffed it into the cat's mouth. Avery's face went red with anger, the second time she saw the handsome guy and he tried to steal Tabby from her. He didn't even ask.