Chapter 10

Endless silence. Lasting quiet. Infinite stillness. Unlimited calm. The aggravation of hearing the same tempo of footsteps that resulted – a nuisance it was. I do not think I can take this any longer. Storm Shadow did not talk at all since he asked me to accompany him on a pointless walk around the base an hour ago. Why did he wanted me with him in the first time?! I held my tongue for safety reasons.

A few Cobras were up late in each level working. They were so consumed in their jobs that they did not notice the time. There was a reason to be doing urgent employment so late. The base had to be prepared for anything no matter what. The loyal Cobras would risk their lives for this organization, even if they were not willing. I did not sign up for this. I was merely a tool to get what the leader wanted. Maybe Cobras should take breaks. But, half of them were mindless slaves. It was no use.

He was lost in the abyss of flooding thoughts – head down and eyes blank. It reminds me of someone. Storm Shadow can define the almost exact likeness and opposite of Master. He can be strict and violent at times, but displays small acts of caring and kindness a little more often than my old master. Master hugging me was the warmest gesture he made in my life. He gave me cruel punishments like cleaning the whole temple by sunset or skip meals for three days, but he never uses physical violence towards his students.

The color I received from Storm Shadow was white. White can represent cold, hard, demeaning along with, but rare, positive attitudes. Storm Shadow seemed so dominant over me in almost everything. He was half-right. He was the better one – only in combat and logic and analytic skills. I overtook the subject of visual and performing arts. That led to another question I use to have in mind.

Cautiously, I lightly tapped my finger twice on Storm Shadow's muscular shoulder. He awoke from his conscious sleep. "How did Master know about me?"

Seemingly to have understood my question, he responded. "He saw you hiking to town during your free time to learn lessons from the neighboring piano teacher. The drawings were found while he checked your room."

"Does he contact you by mail?"

"Secretly for a few times. It's written in a code so you and the others cannot read it." He smirked.

My next question. "Why did he choose you?"

Storm Shadow hesitated for a moment. "… I have no idea. Like what you have said over the past few months, I'm impatient, stubborn, and egotistical."

Another vast silence lingered at his words. Memories swam in my mind for me to find what qualities Master had always trusted. It was nearly impossible. I would have thought Master would never choose a person like him because he was perceptibly a bad influence and has an unhealthy personality. My partner was often complicated to understand and seldom shows kindness to me, like Master. But Storm Shadow was more outgoing and more determined to always get what he wants.

"Perhaps you have further motivation to obtain what you want. You could even go as far as taking people's lives for it. I would not be here traveling new places and discover new weapons without your connection to Master in the first place." And I could only come up with a weak answer.

"Maybe that's what your master wanted."

"What?"

"To go explore the outside world. Experience new and dangerous thrills that can satisfy your life. And the only way he could do that is to contact a trustful outsider. Me."

"How can you prove to be trustworthy?"

"I didn't break my promise, didn't I?"

I pulled my hair back and crossed my arms. It is true. Storm Shadow could have misused his word to Master and not have a reason to care for me.

"How much information did Master let you on about me?" Furiously, I glared at him.

"My, my, Too many questions. Has your teacher ever taught you to empty your cup?"

"Answer me."

"Then don't ask in the first place. Stupid girl."

I muttered some words under my breath.

Storm Shadow faced me dangerously. His hands turned into fists while he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. His eyelids opened, revealing dark earth-colored irises. Then, before I realized what was happening, Storm Shadow pinned and slammed me against the cold metal wall. His hands were scorching against my skin. Was that even normal body temperature?

"You listen here, girl, and real good. If you are ever going to survive, hear me out. Don't ever compare me to that stealing cur again! Understand?" His hot breath blew on my nose and mouth. It smelled of jasmine tea.

A timid nod was my reply.

"Good." Storm Shadow walked briskly away from me right after. His figure faded into the shadows of the tunnel.

My arms that were touched by flaming heat were now exposed to the striking cold of the base. I stood there idle, my arms crossed as my hands rubbed my shoulders. They are going to bruise the next morning. My head pounded a little. On the way to my room, misery spread over me. Something stabbed my heart, and my vision was blurred a little. I wiped my unshed tears and took calm breaths before I entered. Another warm shower slowed my emotions down a lot.

Meditation I tried for two hours, but with no success. A burden was heaved upon myself, and I do not know why. I am not guilty of anything, Then what? What was it that made this pain?

As I pulled the bedcovers over me, I swear something glass or clay broke loudly next door. The funny thing was that I thought I heard Storm Shadow shouting curses in Japanese. That night, I felt cold when I slept even with four blankets over me.