CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Say Something
Thalia followed silently behind Erebus and Snake Eyes back to their room after the meeting's conclusion. Bidding goodbye to the assembly of Arashikage ninja and Jinx, the two ninja now faced a very real challenge ahead of them. Given the revelations revealed, Jinx would was tasked with creating a welcoming atmosphere to her tentatively cleared cousin. Who knew if he'd still be considered a viable heir, but if Snake Eyes had any say in the debate, it would be yes. Jinx was another matter entirely if she couldn't put aside her own vendetta.
Snake Eyes did not speak with Storm Shadow, a silent agreement had already been struck between them and an old friendship would soon be on the mend – ignoring Erebus's own reservations. Erebus and Storm Shadow were never close, he came along shortly after Storm Shadow fled the compound and grew up with the tale of how the Hard Master was killed. Erebus was slightly more at ease given that Storm Shadow provided a name he recognized, but he did not trust Storm Shadow in the slightest. Not that Snake Eyes blamed him.
Sighing softly, he pulled the doors open to the room and watched Erebus settle on his futon with an excited look on his face. Snake sent him a reprimanding glance and turned away as Thalia carefully slipped out of her kimono in the cool darkness of one corner. Erebus tossed her a pair of his oversized sweat pants and a tank top blindly, dragging another futon beside him. Snake Eyes shrugged out of his ninja ware and eased himself under the covers, sensing Erebus's concerned gaze. He made a few signs signifying he was alright, and shuffled backwards as Thalia meekly lay between them.
She had a pensive look on her face, looking between both men anxiously before she rolled onto her side and faced Snake Eyes, shutting her eyes almost instantly. Snake Eyes raised himself up and gave Erebus a look, the other man rolled his eyes and nudged her with his foot.
"Feeling alright?"
Eloquent as usual, Erebus.
"Fine," she answered shortly, her face scrunching up.
Unsatisfied with the answer, Erebus inched his futon closer and propped his chin up on her shoulder like a petulant child. Thalia opened her eyes and her face morphed into an expression of suppressed annoyance.
"Good. Sleep well, we'll be training you extra hard these next few days."
"Wait, "we"?" Her expression warped into a cross between anxiety and excitement, casting a look over at Snake Eyes and then shoving Erebus off her shoulder.
"Of course, Shizu has to make sure I've done my piece right." He snickered, dropping onto his back and sighing.
Thalia looked back at Snake Eyes and the ninja was reminded of one of their first confrontations after he'd rescued her, how angry she had been when he refused to teach her. Arguably, she still was angry and arguably, he shouldn't be teaching anything until she and Storm Shadow had a serious talk. Then again, he expected his brother was getting quite the earful from Nightshade; Thalia opted to let the two of them share the room tonight while she came and bunked with Erebus and himself.
Looking into her green eyes, Snake Eyes also knew Storm Shadow had to be on her mind as well.
"He taught you defense, and I wanted to teach you offense…" he paused. "You already took the first steps as few nights ago."
"I was actually trying to forget that, but thanks." Thalia muttered, wincing as Erebus dropped a heavy hand onto her head.
"You did what had to be done, Thalia." Erebus said gently. "You took life to protect life, I mean, you didn't enjoy killing them did you?"
"No! Of course not!" she hissed in response and Erebus ruffled her hair in a brotherly manner.
"Good. Your morals are intact and you're not a killer." His crimson eyes flickered to Snake's immediately so Snake reached over Thalia and flicked Erebus's forehead.
"You're a protector, Thalia," he assured her. "Protector."
He met her gaze steadily, waiting patiently until she slowly nodded and verbally agreed with him. Erebus let out a contented sigh and pulled the covers up over Thalia's shoulder with a quiet goodnight. The candles blew out and Snake Eyes felt his senses relax ever so slightly. Beside him, Thalia let out a shaky breath and he cautiously reached out and squeezed her hand, a soft gasp escaped her lips and he smiled, though she couldn't see.
She twisted her hand out of his and moved her finger along his palm – Thanks.
Child-like, he stretched one of his fingers against her hand – You're part of the team.
Erebus groaned and flopped onto his stomach, tapping his fingers along his arm distractedly.
Thalia inched nearer and Snake Eyes inhaled the scent of lavender coming off her hair, he swallowed thickly as her finger moved along his hand – If Erebus starts snoring, can we boot him out of the team?
Snake Eyes chuckled, the sound not leaving his throat and Thalia giggled. Erebus made a derisive snort and smacked the back of her head.
"Stop fooling around with her, she needs sleep." He grumbled.
"We aren't fooling around!" Thalia cried indignantly, kicking her feet into Erebus.
Snake Eyes sighed and tapped her head gently, quickly searching out her hand after he gained her attention – He's right. Get some rest.
Thalia huffed and scribbled a mark less "goodnight" into his hands. Snake Eyes listened to her breathing until they both fell asleep.
Erebus and Snake Eyes woke up just before the dawn. A small breakfast tray was left outside their room with a few bowls of steamed rice, grilled salmon and a pot of tea. Erebus yawned and shuffled outside for some morning stretches, fixing the braid pinned on top of his head. Snake Eyes grimaced at the sight of him shirtless and barefoot in the cool morning, the old scars almost glowing in the rising light.
Carefully, as he knew from experience that Thalia was not a morning person, he gently roused her from her slumber and gestured to the tray. She took one look outside and groaned, grabbing a cup of tea and glaring at the wall. Snake Eyes laughed soundlessly, catching the way she flinched at his movements and picked up his bowl, placing the fish inside and staring outside. Erebus climbed back inside, playfully ruffling Thalia's hair and copying Snake Eyes. The woman looked between them miserably, picking up a piece of salmon with her chopsticks and groaning.
"Come on," Erebus teased. "We've done this before."
"I couldn't see outside though; it was easier when I thought the sun was out." She groused, Erebus flicked a grain of rice onto her face. A vein in her forehead twitched dangerously.
Snake Eyes pulled out a pair of socks and shoes for her, he and Erebus finished quicker, and Snake Eyes started his own stretches as he waited for Thalia to join them. When she did, she pulled a robe on and joined them in the fluffy snow with her naginata. Sweeping in beside her, Snake Eyes took the weapon and placed it against the wall, tossing her a wooden staff. Erebus picked up his own and started twirling it between his hands, smug grin in place. Snake Eyes released a long breath.
"I'd rather avoid adding to our injuries," he gestured to himself and Thalia. "We'll move through the basics and once I'm satisfied, we'll move up a level. The only time that naginata will be used is three days from now."
"So, no pressure then." Thalia sighed, sinking into a defensive stance.
Snake Eyes nodded his approval and took a step back as Erebus marched in front of her. Thalia's mouth dropped open and she narrowed his eyes at him. A light flickered in her eyes as Erebus lowered himself to the ground, she dashed forward and thrust for his stomach. Erebus intended to jump and even if she struck out quickly, he used the momentum to throw himself behind her and slam his staff into her back. Snake Eyes winced. Thalia growled and hastily climbed to her feet, thrusting forward in quick beats and praying for an opening. Miraculously she caught his chin, regretted it, and stumbled backwards as Erebus advanced.
A teaching moment appeared. Snake Eyes moved in behind her, wrapping his hands around hers and blocking the onslaught of attacks. He felt her pull against him, aiming for his legs, but he always moved her target at the last second. Yes, the legs were a good start but when she phoned in her movements like that…
After the point of the staff sailed pass Erebus left ear, Thalia stopped.
"Am I that obvious?" she sputtered, bracing herself as Erebus rammed into them.
Their feet slid against the ground and Snake Eyes felt the ice beneath his naked feet, giving Erebus a thoroughly unimpressed look.
"You do telegraph just a little," Erebus admitted. "You're very expressive…but then again, I've taught you movement most trained fighters would recognize." He added sheepishly.
"And you want to correct this in three days?" Thalia deadpanned, fixing her stance and waiting for Erebus to move. He frowned and she lunged forward, dragging Snake Eyes with her as she stabbed Erebus's unguarded foot. He grunted in mild pain, blinking in surprise as the staff came up and slammed into his throat. Snake Eyes felt Thalia freeze up as Erebus started coughing, squeezing her hands encouragingly.
"Do you want to come with us?" You're part of the team.
"Yes, I do!" she yelled and Snake Eyes let go.
She swung at Erebus as if he was a giant baseball, catching his thigh with an audible whack! Stunned for a second, Erebus hopped to the side, yelping as she continually swung at him, moving from left to right, up and down. Snake Eyes smiled. While he fully intended to instruct her, she had moved of her own volition before he could offer her advice. And she was always observant so when Erebus bent his arm ever so slightly, she dove in and caught him squaring in the chest.
Erebus staggered backwards, mildly impressed. Thalia looked behind her, expecting Snake Eyes but he was standing several feet away. He nodded, smiling, and then something in his face must've shown as Erebus advanced on her. Thalia threw herself along the icy ground and punched the end of the staff right between Erebus's legs. He dropped the staff and shut his eyes with a grimace, ignoring the startled laughter bubbling out of his student.
"Oh you," he said, almost fondly. "You lovely, lovely, human being."
"I'm sorry…I just…I panicked and I…" she covered her mouth with her hands and wheezed.
"You think I'm mad? I'm not mad." Erebus growled, folding in on himself and tipping onto the ground. "You should use everything to your advantage, even your opponent's genitals."
Snake Eyes ambled over, coughing harshly because he too was laughing. He took a seat on the steps leading down from the room and placed a foot on Erebus's side. Erebus grinned meanly and forced himself into a sitting position, glaring at Thalia who was still in the midst of her giggling fit.
"Is this…your first time?" she managed hoarsely, tears sticking to the corners of her eyes.
"No…" Erebus whined and Snake Eyes poked him. "But…I wasn't expecting you…doing that…geez, woman."
"Well, you've certainly picked up a few tricks." Snake Eyes signed. "I'm proud."
"Let's trade places for a second and see if that changes your mind."
"Don't be a sore loser – "
"Sore loser my ass, Shizu-chan. That hurt." Erebus yelped, smacking Snake Eye's legs away and burying his face in the snow. "Gimme your staff, Thalia. I need to teach this little shit a lesson."
"You're not even older than me."
"Like I care. I'll fucking tie you down and hit it until it blackens."
Thalia made a face and stood up, obviously interpreting this moment as an ideal place for a break. "I'm gonna go over here and let you sort out your sexual frustrations."
Erebus snorted and sat up, eyeing Thalia with a devious look as she sat down on one of the futons.
"And you aren't frustrated? I'm willing to bet you secretly, probably, wouldn't mind such a sight."
Snake Eyes turned around expecting an angry retort from the woman but she merely blushed and turned away quickly, massaging her temples and trying (failing) to act natural. Snake Eyes swallowed thickly and returning his gaze to Erebus who was still smiling. Raising an unimpressed eyebrow, Snake Eyes lifted his staff and whacked the side of Erebus's head.
As the dinner hour approached, the trio stopped their training for the day and headed for the baths. Snake Eyes had taught her moves from several different styles and helped teach her basic flips, Erebus was largely uninvolved unless he was giving advice. The first day went over well with little injuries along there might been some light bruising but Thalia wasn't overly concerned. Snake Eyes was though. Quick learner that she was, he felt she was rushing just a bit, whether she was eager to please him or simply prove she was ready. Snake Eyes guessed it was a bit of both seeing as her training with Erebus went over very smoothly and quickly. At least the younger man was thorough and at least he had more time.
"You could tell her to stay, you know." Erebus pointed out. "You're her teacher."
The two of them sat opposite each other in the baths, separated from Thalia by a tall concrete wall. Snake Eyes shrugged, fingering the scar across his neck and closing his eyes. He wanted her to stay put, Iga would protect her until this business with Cobra was put to rest but that also meant his time with her was limited. He hadn't given much thought towards the future assuming everything went as planned, where would Thalia even go? What would she do? Staying with Erebus, while dangerous, seemed like a good idea because the two of them got along really well. He imagined Thalia saw Erebus as an older brother figure but where did that leave him? Snake Eyes opened his eyes and Erebus nodded.
"You care about her a lot, we all see it."
"We?" Snake Eyes echoed.
"Yeah. I mean, Storm Shadow could've gone a number of different routes to track you down, but instead he went right for her."
Snake Eyes groaned and sunk deeper into the water. That was the other thing he needed to address, if he really intended Thalia to join them, she needed to have a serious talk with Storm Shadow. The last couple of days had been peaceful but Erebus mentioned that on the trip to Japan there were nights he spent wide awake watching Thalia wrestle with nightmares. Snake Eyes knew she saw Storm Shadow in those nightmares even if she wouldn't admit it; she knew of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow had been friends…maybe she thought it was rude to share seeing that Snake Eyes was already so trusting…
"And the fact is she cares about you. She went through hell to protect a stranger, and she's still going through hell to gain your respect."
"She has it." Snake Eyes narrowed his eyes in the mist, blowing bubbles.
"Does she know that?"
"Why are you sudden so talkative?" Snake Eyes rose out of the water and levelled a hard stare at Erebus. "In all the time I've known you, you've never been so…involved."
Erebus made a hopeless expression, grimacing and casting his gaze away at the wall. His thoughts went backwards in time where he was living a somewhat normal life with his childhood sweetheart, painting the walls of the nursery bright blue with a sun and fluffy clouds. He thought of the quiet brunette who would follow him home after school and watch him train in the backyard. Of the girl who tracked him down for years and lived with him, trained under him, who would've produced him a child.
Snake Eyes recognized the distant look in his friend's eyes with a sinking sense of dread. He stood up and shook his head.
"Don't you dare compare us. It's not like that at all." What good could come out of settling down with him anyway?
"Snake Eyes it is like that. She's treading the same path as…as Ari did with me." Erebus's face scrunched up at the mention of his departed wife. "Why do you think I wanted her to stay with me? I wanted to avoid this because I knew how you would react. What do you think will happen if she gets hurt or even killed in two days? Think you'll recover?"
"We aren't there yet – "
"Yet? You're implying something."
"I am not!" Would she have to continue hiding? Stay inside ninja compounds all her life? Watch her children turn into killers?
"OK, OK." Erebus said gently, standing up as well and walking pass him. "But you need to think about this seriously, and try not to forget you're trying to keep her alive. She won't be vulnerable this time."
Erebus patted his back and disappeared back inside, leaving Snake Eyes alone in the mist.
There was a decidedly different aura during dinner in the room. Erebus was jovial as usual but Snake Eyes was very quiet, well, quiet in the sense that he barely moved or signed anything the entire time. Erebus sought to distract Thalia with some old stories about his younger years with the Iga and Arashikage clans, or tell obscene jokes. She knew something had transpired between them and had the sinking suspicion it had to do with her. Snake Eyes hadn't met her eyes this entire time, in fact he was almost avoiding, his body turned away, his eyes partly closed. Thalia frowned. She stared blankly at Erebus who was looking at Snake Eyes who was looking down at his finished plate.
"So you don't want me to come, is that it?" Thalia deadpanned.
Snake Eyes shut his eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"It is, isn't it?" Thalia crossed her arms over her chest and glared at them both. "Well, I'm going regardless."
"Oh?" Erebus seemed awfully amused for some reason.
"I need to get over this…this thing. So I'm going to talk to Storm Shadow and then Snake Eyes is going to tell me about the firefly dude and then you two are going to make me into somewhat decent fighter in the next two days. I don't know what I'm going to do afterwards but I…I'm not OK. I'm not."
Thalia imagined for half a second that Logan and Hideki were sitting with her.
"This isn't about revenge for me. It's about stopping the nightmares and getting over my fears. I used to be so scared Erebus would hurt me, that Cobra or Storm Shadow would come in and murder everybody and I hate it. I don't want to be scared anymore and I'm not letting you take that anyway from me."
It hurt looking at them because every word wanted to make her cry. She was processing their expressions, trying to keep her vice from breaking, and trying to ignore the lingering ghosts in the room. Erebus looked too much like Hideki with those deep thoughtful eyes, and their shared time together made her think of Logan in so many ways it almost hurt. But watching Snake Eyes made her chest hurt, like the air in her lungs turned to ice and she couldn't breathe. She'd done so many things for him, because of him, and she wanted him to know she didn't regret it. She'd always wanted to travel and now she been to America and Russia and Japan several times in several months. She'd always wanted to take up self-defense and now she was training with a legitimate ninja.
She couldn't ignore all the bad things, but she could dull the pain of them with all the new experiences and friends she'd made. Cheesy as that sounded.
"So…please don't make me stay, and please stop looking at me like that." The latter was directed at Snake Eyes who hurriedly looked away.
Erebus leaned over and patted her shoulder encouragingly. "I think you got him, he can't deny a pretty face."
Snake Eyes sent him a scathing look, and Thalia reached out and turned his face towards her.
"We good, Hayabusa?"
"I can't say no to you, I know that now."
"Now all you need to do is kiss, seeing as you made up –"
"Don't push it."
Thalia and Snake Eyes walked to Nightshade and Storm Shadow's room after they finished eating. The door was open so when the two of them peered inside, they were surprised at the scene that unfolded before their eyes.
Storm Shadow was on his back reading a book, Nightshade was lying on top of him reading a book she'd placed on his chest; he rested his own book atop her head and neither noticed the pair of eyes watching them for a while.
Thalia gave Snake Eyes an unsure look so the ninja let out a whistle that got Storm Shadow's attention. While he didn't blush, he abruptly shoved Nightshade off him and bolted upwards into a sitting position quicker than a bullet. Nightshade grumbled incoherently and rolled away with a frown, sending Snake Eyes an accusatory glare before she noticed Thalia.
"There are a few things I need to take of, I'll be back in a little while," she said, excusing herself. Storm Shadow sighed at her departure before turning his full attention on Thalia.
Thalia exhaled slowly and sat down in front of him, her eyes nervously scanning the room as Snake Eyes sat behind her. After a few moments of not looking at the white-clad ninja, she reached behind her for Snake's head. He took it gently and nodded.
"I didn't come for an apology." She started. Storm Shadow's eyes widened. "I just…I need to understand why."
She bit her lip, her voice shaking. She blinked her eyes and looked away for a second.
Storm Shadow took a moment to examine what bits of skin he could see, reflecting on the black burn marks he'd inflicted on her with a pitying expression.
"Because had I not, my partner might've assumed I was not dedicated to Cobra's cause."
"Was he stronger than you?" Thalia asked. Storm Shadow looked to Snake Eyes.
"I do not know, he was an early defector from the Joe program. I had not encountered him before."
"Snake Eyes and Jinx weren't nearly so bloodied up." She said, deliberately picking at the black burn dragged along her collar bone.
"I was among my own men, I could get away with more."
"Did you enjoy it?" she blurted and put a hand over her mouth. Storm Shadow almost felt sick. He could guess what she was imagining.
"Never."
"Did you intend to kill me?"
"Never. I knew Snake Eyes would find you." he said, earning a mostly pleased look from his friend.
"What about the mind games?"
"I was testing your mental strength." He offered shortly. "I never intended to hurt you then but it was my partner who insisted I bring you in. I would've preferred to avoid everything that came after that."
Thalia nodded. She wasn't happy with the answer but she could at least appreciate his honesty. She slowly let go of Snake Eyes's hand and clenched her fists. Thalia could not guarantee she'd ever forgive him for what he did to her and no one expected her to either – it seemed self-loathing was a theme for any ninja or fighter anyway. But there was still something she needed to know before the night was through.
"Did you kill them?"
Thalia searched his face fiercely as he realized whom she was referring to, and saw something change. It wasn't a large change and she couldn't even decipher what she had seen but he expressed something. When he didn't say anything, Snake Eyes signed the question again, moving his hands over Thalia's shoulder and silently coaxing her to breathe out.
"I did not." He seemed…unsure. "I found their plane shortly before you did. I could see the resemblance and I…I was wrong to use it against you. I'm –"
He narrowed his eyes, the word foreign on his tongue. He hadn't even apologized for his acts with Cobra during the meeting a day ago.
"I am sorry. I know you don't want apologies but I have lost people as well and I would not have them used against me or my family. For everything else, I cannot say I am sorry because I was still performing a duty to someone I viewed as my superior and I will stand by my actions, guiltless."
Thalia felt her body move before her brain registered it – her fist smashed into Storm Shadow's face and he tipped backwards. She sat on top of him, breathing heavily as his nose bled onto his face and slipped onto the floor. Her fist was raised for another attack but she couldn't force herself to move, he looked…he looked.
Defeated.
"Fuck you." she spat, stepping off his body and shaking. "Fuck you and your fucking pride. Fucking…I accept your apology but I do not forgive you. Snake Eyes," she leaned into him. "Get me out of here before I do something really stupid."
Thalia and Snake Eyes passed Nightshade on their way back to their room, Nightshade saw Thalia's bloodied fist before rushing back into her room. Thalia snorted, examining her knuckles and glad they didn't break. She hoped she had broken his nose, regardless of Snake Eyes's approval. She let both of them know her feelings and with that out of the way, she could move on a little more. Erebus was mighty pleased with the development, saying if she hadn't hit the bastard when she did it would only happen at a later date. Better to get it out of the way.
But when they all settled in for the night, she inched her finger towards Snake Eyes's open palm – You mad at me?
Snake Eyes sighed and flipped her hand over – No. A little disappointed.
Thalia hummed – The whole "don't fight in anger" thing?
Snake Eyes chuckled silently – Exactly but Erebus is right, you were going to hit him sooner or later.
She giggled – You almost sound proud.
Snake Eyes flicked her forehead – He should've seen it coming.
Thalia froze up for a second – Was I telegraphing again?
He shook his head –No. But really, you were going to hit him one day. He should've preparing himself. Now go to sleep, we'll be up early again tomorrow.
Thalia groaned.
Uploading another chapter given how close I am to completing this story. Likely two more chapters after this, and then a sneak peek at the sequel.
Just bear with me for a little longer.