I woke up with the same cackling fire in front of me. The girl was gone yet
again but left behind some apples for breakfast. I must've woken up too
early because the sun was just beginning to dawn. Determined to see
something beautiful about it, I stared at it for some time, barely
blinking. My eyes were beginning to hurt so I damned my foolish thoughts
and took a bite out of an apple. The girl came back as I begin on the
second piece of fruit and said morning greetings. I grunted back. She
carried a small clay bowl of water and some new linen bandages. There was
also a small unlabeled bottle among the towels.
"We have to change the bandages now," she said," Here's the rest of your money." Throwing the pouch, I noticed that it was a little lighter than before but not a significant amount. She came over with the materials and laid them down on a round rock beside us.
I moved away as she opened the bottle, unleashing a very unattractive smell. Struggling not to breathe in the fumes, she poured some onto a cloth and moved towards my leg. Grabbing her hand, I stated through short breaths not to put that on me. After a moment, she nodded. The moment I loosened my grip, she smashed the cloth onto my wound.
"AHHHHHHHH!" I jerked and writhed away from her but she kept close. The liquid was seeping thought the old bandages and burning the raw skin underneath. I made a punch towards her; she swiftly dodged it and pushed me back onto the bedding. Through the moments of agonizing pain, I felt quick hands unwrapping the old bandages. Another moment, a cool towel was placed on the skin and the pain subsided.
When I had regained some of my thoughts, I gazed down at her. With the utmost care, she picked out the bandages and flung them behind her towards the fire. Every now and then, a cool wet towel would be wiped across the flesh to wipe away any excess skin or dried blood. I thought it best to remain immobile so it would be done and over with as quickly and as painlessly as possible. After the cleaning was done, she took some new bandages and wrapped them snugly around my leg. With a heavy sigh, she turned to me with a triumphant smile upon her face.
I didn't answer her but gave a small approving nod. Her eyes looked very tired, with dark skin shadowing her eyes. The cut on her cheek had left a noticeable scar; a sign that it was healing quickly. Before I could take the time to relax after the ordeal, she lifted up the bottle once more. "What are you doing?" I asked cautiously. As a silent response, she pointed to my injured arm. Shaking my head vigorously, I rejected the offer.
She was about to retort but thought better of it. Softly throwing the bottle near a log behind her, she reached for the bandages instead. "Fine. At least let me bandage your arm."
"I could do it myself."
"No, you can't."
After much deliberation, she finally consented and handed me the roll of cloth. With great difficulty and the mobility of one arm, I unwrapped the old bandages. Intently, she watched me, afraid I was going to hurt myself. Used to tending my wounds alone, I dipped the towel and impatiently cleaned around the opening. When she saw me struggling with the wrapping, she helped by holding on to the end while I rolled around it. This action surprised me for a moment but I didn't say anything. We were so close to each other that I felt extremely uncomfortable. For some strange reason, my heart started to thump very loudly and I felt the equivalent of choking as my breath became more rapid. Trying to pick up the pace, I sloppily finished the wrapping and tied the end knot securely with my teeth.
Smug, I showed her the newly tended wound. She looked over it. "Its still kind of loose."
I gave her an annoyed look but she laughed. "I'm just kidding. Its not so bad. " Standing up, she dusted away the dirt and leaves from her dress and held two loaves of bread out from the folds of her cloak.
After handing me one, she landed with a thump only a few feet from me. We ate our dinner silently, looking at each other from time to time. The sun was still out and the sounds of the forest animals were everywhere. I was full and threw my uneaten portion behind me. The girl barely ate hers but nibbled at the ends slowly and finally laying it down beside her. After glancing around her, she turned to me and smiled.
"What are you smiling about?"
Without answering, she pointed to the direction where I threw my leftover loaf. There were a few birds and a gray mouse nibbling and pecking around the bread. I grumbled and threw a pinecone at them. One of the birds flew away while the others dodged it and started where they had left off. The mouse took a few crumbs before scurrying away towards a dead log.
"I wonder why they chose your bread over mine," the girl softly protested.
"They're afraid of humans," I replied," They'll try to keep as much distance from us as possible."
Her shoulders slumped at the answer but her face held a thoughtful expression. With the utmost delicacy, she stood up, holding her loaf of bread at hand.
"What are-?" I questioned but she placed a finger in her lips. With a determine gaze, she moved carefully towards the birds. Amused, I watched to see if the birds would fly away but they seemingly found no threat in her. She bended down a few feet away from them and crumbled down some of the loaf right in front of her.
After a while of complete silence, the creatures finally moved in near her and started to peck at the crumbs. Delighted, she moved a hand towards one of them. Sensing danger, the birds flew away. I had to smile at her naivety. She seemed disappointed and stood up to watch them land on a nearby tree, out of her reach. "I told you so."
Without turning around, she replied," I knew they would fly away. They always fly away." Her voice held a tone unlike her. It was distant, even a little mournful. Why would something as simple as birds cause her to be like that? I shook off the unsettling feeling and watched her look one last time at the treetops before finally going back.
Folding her legs close to her and settling her chin onto of the kneecaps, her secretive gaze followed the crackling of the fire. The sun was under the horizon but some light still blurred in the distance but I was curious of what she was doing. Her hand reached for a branch from the ground and poked at the flames. I knew from my own experience that she was holding something back.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked her quietly.
My question distressed her as she responded in stutters. "N-n-nothing. Its just a-a-a little cold." Noticing her own nervousness, she tried to cover it up by falsely yawning and stretched out her arms. "I'm going to sleep. Goodnight."
I didn't say anything about the obvious lie because it wasn't my business to do so anyway. "Goodnight," I replied rather hesitantly. She put out the fire by throwing some dirt on it and dipped the soiled hands in the near water bowl. The full shine of the stars and the full darkness of night entered our camp but I could still locate where she was. After fidgeting and roughly moving some dead leaves away from the ground, she rested her head on the cloak she bundled together. Even through her fake sleeping breaths and her half-shut eyes, I could tell she was still awake and troubled.
I decided to ignore this and turned my back to her. Near sleep, my thoughts were once more interrupted by her voice.
"Kai?" she asked in the most silent of whispers.
"What?"
There was a moment of stillness hovering in the air. Even the usual and annoying crickets had grown mute. It seemed like the whole entire universe was waiting for the next thing the girl would say to me.
"Never mind." There was a moment of uncomfortable shuffling then nothing. I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. The crickets, now occupied by croaking of frogs, started to chirp once more.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Green eyes parted slightly and peered over to the sleeping youth across from her. Biting her lip and standing up with the utmost caution, Celeste slowly made her way to the forest and away from Kai. As she neared the next shadowed shrub, a hand roughly grabbed her upper arm and spun her around.
"You don't have to do that every night!" she whispered angrily, releasing herself from his grip. The man gave her a lopsided grin and his light amber eyes sparkled through the night.
"Well, aren't we cranky?" he retorted in his usual airy tone. After brushing out his long black bangs that obscured his line of vision, the man turned around and signal her to follow. She obediently followed, eager at what awaited her just beyond the trees. As he lifted a drooping branch for Celeste, her guide asked her a question. "Why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?"
"You just don't seem like the kind of person who would do these kinds of things...."
She flashed him an ugly glare. "Its none of your business."
Shaking his head, the youth shrugged and continued to lead the way. Celeste's eyes gazed at the person in front of her, turning the question over and over again in her head. No, she wasn't the kind of person who would do this kind of thing but it didn't matter, anyway.
With a last push of the branches of an oak tree, the man turned around at her and shook his head toward the field within. He held a forced comforting smile but his eyes warned of something ominous. She ignored him and carefully stride to the center. Awaiting near an elm tree was another man.
She carefully walked up to him while finding her heart thumping louder and louder with each nearing step. Celeste admired his bright red hair and longed to pass her fingers against them. His azure eyes gazed upon the moon and seemed only to concentrate on the single hovering object. Careful not to ruin his focus, she stood near him, not uttering a word. Suddenly, a smooth voice called to her. "Its a beautiful night. Isn't it?" The man looked lovingly at her with his sharp bangs in front of his eyes. A single fingerless white glove caressed her cheek while his other arm pulled her closer.
Lying her head in his chest, she waited a while before answering. "Yes, it is so Tala."
Tala gave a smile as his embrace grew tighter. "I'm surprised Kai hasn't been awoken on such a quiet night as this."
Her shoulders slumped. His mind is never so far from the mission. Without thinking, she quietly muttered," Can't you forget about him tonight?"
Two hands quickly gripped her upper arm and pulled her away from himself. Celeste's eyes widened and her body winced in pain at his grip.
"Don't ever forget about him, Celeste. You mustn't ever forget that. This is utterly important-"
"But...can't we just...for tonight?" She knew she made a mistake as soon as she was roughly pushed onto the floor.
His exterior remained calm but his voice was dripping with threats and impatience. Bending down to Celeste, Tala lifted up her chin so they were eye to eye. She looked at him through light tears. He wiped them away with the back of his other hand without regard. Her bottom lip shivered slightly and her whole body trembled at the presence of the man who she gave her love to. Angry azure eyes clashed into dull green ones as Tala's voice said," Celeste...I need you to do this for me. It is very important to me. I know you hate doing this but I promise that we'll be together after this is all done. I know you're tired of hearing this but I promise." With that, his features softened and repeated in a less menacing voice. "I'm so sorry I hurt you." A rushed breath escaped his lips before uttering," I love you."
She looked at him and her heart melted even when the rest of herself felt hopeless and screamed against it. He stood before her, offering his hand with soft eyes that seemed so kind. Without hesitating, she laid her hand and heart once more to the man. Once more they embraced each other but with loose arms. Celeste's eyes blurred with the leftover tears but she quickly brushed them away with the cuff of Tala's shirt. She secretly wished for the past but felt foolish afterwards.
Brushing light kiss on the back of his neck, she cupped the side of his face with the palm of her hands. For a moment, she saw the man she fell in love with as he gazed lovingly as her and smiled shyly. Covering one of her hands with his own, he closed his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Her lips welcomed his and time stood still for the minute they were together. As they parted, Celeste's hand moved one of Tala's long bangs away from his face. "I love you."
Tala didn't say anything but quickly regained his serious tone. "Are you sure Kai doesn't suspect a thing."?
Celeste shook her head, still holding onto him, she assured him. "No, you were right. He didn't see me as a threat at all." Her companion's eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Excellent. Soon, it'll be all over." He released a sigh with a half chuckle hidden deep in his throat and laid the side of his head on top of her dark hair.
Celeste remained apprehensive. "Tala? May I ask you something?
"What?"
"What use is Kai to the DarkMares?"
"You'll find out Celeste. I promise I'll tell you as your job is over. In a few days."
"But-"
Her sentence was cut off by an abrupt kiss. She roughly pushed him away. With her face scrunched up, she angrily glared at him. "You still didn't answer my question."
Tala seemed surprised at her sudden action and his face scrunched up in confusion and sudden rage. Just as quickly, it melted away and his features were blank. "I'm sorry Celeste. You'll have to wait."
"Can you at least tell me if you plan on hurting him?"
A smirk emerged from his mouth. "No. I don't plan on hurting him." His expression morphed into suspicion." But....why would you care?"
"Nothing!" Yet there was a unsure insistent in her tongue. "I mean...its nothing." Shaking her head she looked at her tattered dress. "I can't wait to take a long bath. I feel so dirty, sleeping on the floor and all.." she said, trying to change the subject.
It seemed to have worked. Tala agreed but added," you still look beautiful, anyway." Celeste blushed at his compliment. "Here's some food. It should last for the rest of the time there. I won't be here until the week is over."
"Why are you leaving?"
"Business," he answered simply, handing her the food. She wanted to go into detail about his 'business' but thought better of it. Celeste accepted the food that was given to her in a small white bag. Slinging it over her shoulder, Celeste gave Tala a final kiss and headed back towards her victim.
The same man awaited her, stretching out his arms and yawning, fresh from sleep. "Are you done already?" he asked with one eye still half closed.
Determined not to let him spoil her good mood, Celeste just gave him a small kick with her feet and hit him over the head with her bag of food. He gave an exasperated sigh and laughed light-heartedly. "So? What did you talk about tonight?"
"Like I said, it isn't any of your business. It turns out that I won't be needing your guidance for the next few nights."
His head immediately jerked up. "Why?"
"Tala had some business to be taken care of at headquarters."
"Oh. Does he need my assistance."
She looked at him quizzedly. "No, I think Tala has enough men. Your assignment is to look after me. Right?'
There was a grumble. "Yeah, right. Like it matters. I can't believe my first assignment is to baby-sit you."
Celeste gave him a withering look as he began brushing off the leaves from his backside. She had questioned Tala about the new guard the other night. The answer was that the boy in front of her was incredible potential, for an amateur and it showed in the training camps. She had questioned his loyalty but only managed to make Tala even more annoyed.
The Chinese man finally began walking to their destination. His eyes rolled lazily at the girl and instantly felt a stab of sympathy for her but it quickly diminished. "Well? You coming or not?".She silently nodded and followed.
____________________________________________________________________________ ____________
AHHH! The ending is so corny! !_! I'm losing my evilness-ness. Sorry for the late update but at least I made the chapter a little longer. Can you say confusing? Yes, we can! Good news, I have a plot! Bad news, only about three more chapters left.
"We have to change the bandages now," she said," Here's the rest of your money." Throwing the pouch, I noticed that it was a little lighter than before but not a significant amount. She came over with the materials and laid them down on a round rock beside us.
I moved away as she opened the bottle, unleashing a very unattractive smell. Struggling not to breathe in the fumes, she poured some onto a cloth and moved towards my leg. Grabbing her hand, I stated through short breaths not to put that on me. After a moment, she nodded. The moment I loosened my grip, she smashed the cloth onto my wound.
"AHHHHHHHH!" I jerked and writhed away from her but she kept close. The liquid was seeping thought the old bandages and burning the raw skin underneath. I made a punch towards her; she swiftly dodged it and pushed me back onto the bedding. Through the moments of agonizing pain, I felt quick hands unwrapping the old bandages. Another moment, a cool towel was placed on the skin and the pain subsided.
When I had regained some of my thoughts, I gazed down at her. With the utmost care, she picked out the bandages and flung them behind her towards the fire. Every now and then, a cool wet towel would be wiped across the flesh to wipe away any excess skin or dried blood. I thought it best to remain immobile so it would be done and over with as quickly and as painlessly as possible. After the cleaning was done, she took some new bandages and wrapped them snugly around my leg. With a heavy sigh, she turned to me with a triumphant smile upon her face.
I didn't answer her but gave a small approving nod. Her eyes looked very tired, with dark skin shadowing her eyes. The cut on her cheek had left a noticeable scar; a sign that it was healing quickly. Before I could take the time to relax after the ordeal, she lifted up the bottle once more. "What are you doing?" I asked cautiously. As a silent response, she pointed to my injured arm. Shaking my head vigorously, I rejected the offer.
She was about to retort but thought better of it. Softly throwing the bottle near a log behind her, she reached for the bandages instead. "Fine. At least let me bandage your arm."
"I could do it myself."
"No, you can't."
After much deliberation, she finally consented and handed me the roll of cloth. With great difficulty and the mobility of one arm, I unwrapped the old bandages. Intently, she watched me, afraid I was going to hurt myself. Used to tending my wounds alone, I dipped the towel and impatiently cleaned around the opening. When she saw me struggling with the wrapping, she helped by holding on to the end while I rolled around it. This action surprised me for a moment but I didn't say anything. We were so close to each other that I felt extremely uncomfortable. For some strange reason, my heart started to thump very loudly and I felt the equivalent of choking as my breath became more rapid. Trying to pick up the pace, I sloppily finished the wrapping and tied the end knot securely with my teeth.
Smug, I showed her the newly tended wound. She looked over it. "Its still kind of loose."
I gave her an annoyed look but she laughed. "I'm just kidding. Its not so bad. " Standing up, she dusted away the dirt and leaves from her dress and held two loaves of bread out from the folds of her cloak.
After handing me one, she landed with a thump only a few feet from me. We ate our dinner silently, looking at each other from time to time. The sun was still out and the sounds of the forest animals were everywhere. I was full and threw my uneaten portion behind me. The girl barely ate hers but nibbled at the ends slowly and finally laying it down beside her. After glancing around her, she turned to me and smiled.
"What are you smiling about?"
Without answering, she pointed to the direction where I threw my leftover loaf. There were a few birds and a gray mouse nibbling and pecking around the bread. I grumbled and threw a pinecone at them. One of the birds flew away while the others dodged it and started where they had left off. The mouse took a few crumbs before scurrying away towards a dead log.
"I wonder why they chose your bread over mine," the girl softly protested.
"They're afraid of humans," I replied," They'll try to keep as much distance from us as possible."
Her shoulders slumped at the answer but her face held a thoughtful expression. With the utmost delicacy, she stood up, holding her loaf of bread at hand.
"What are-?" I questioned but she placed a finger in her lips. With a determine gaze, she moved carefully towards the birds. Amused, I watched to see if the birds would fly away but they seemingly found no threat in her. She bended down a few feet away from them and crumbled down some of the loaf right in front of her.
After a while of complete silence, the creatures finally moved in near her and started to peck at the crumbs. Delighted, she moved a hand towards one of them. Sensing danger, the birds flew away. I had to smile at her naivety. She seemed disappointed and stood up to watch them land on a nearby tree, out of her reach. "I told you so."
Without turning around, she replied," I knew they would fly away. They always fly away." Her voice held a tone unlike her. It was distant, even a little mournful. Why would something as simple as birds cause her to be like that? I shook off the unsettling feeling and watched her look one last time at the treetops before finally going back.
Folding her legs close to her and settling her chin onto of the kneecaps, her secretive gaze followed the crackling of the fire. The sun was under the horizon but some light still blurred in the distance but I was curious of what she was doing. Her hand reached for a branch from the ground and poked at the flames. I knew from my own experience that she was holding something back.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked her quietly.
My question distressed her as she responded in stutters. "N-n-nothing. Its just a-a-a little cold." Noticing her own nervousness, she tried to cover it up by falsely yawning and stretched out her arms. "I'm going to sleep. Goodnight."
I didn't say anything about the obvious lie because it wasn't my business to do so anyway. "Goodnight," I replied rather hesitantly. She put out the fire by throwing some dirt on it and dipped the soiled hands in the near water bowl. The full shine of the stars and the full darkness of night entered our camp but I could still locate where she was. After fidgeting and roughly moving some dead leaves away from the ground, she rested her head on the cloak she bundled together. Even through her fake sleeping breaths and her half-shut eyes, I could tell she was still awake and troubled.
I decided to ignore this and turned my back to her. Near sleep, my thoughts were once more interrupted by her voice.
"Kai?" she asked in the most silent of whispers.
"What?"
There was a moment of stillness hovering in the air. Even the usual and annoying crickets had grown mute. It seemed like the whole entire universe was waiting for the next thing the girl would say to me.
"Never mind." There was a moment of uncomfortable shuffling then nothing. I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. The crickets, now occupied by croaking of frogs, started to chirp once more.
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Green eyes parted slightly and peered over to the sleeping youth across from her. Biting her lip and standing up with the utmost caution, Celeste slowly made her way to the forest and away from Kai. As she neared the next shadowed shrub, a hand roughly grabbed her upper arm and spun her around.
"You don't have to do that every night!" she whispered angrily, releasing herself from his grip. The man gave her a lopsided grin and his light amber eyes sparkled through the night.
"Well, aren't we cranky?" he retorted in his usual airy tone. After brushing out his long black bangs that obscured his line of vision, the man turned around and signal her to follow. She obediently followed, eager at what awaited her just beyond the trees. As he lifted a drooping branch for Celeste, her guide asked her a question. "Why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?"
"You just don't seem like the kind of person who would do these kinds of things...."
She flashed him an ugly glare. "Its none of your business."
Shaking his head, the youth shrugged and continued to lead the way. Celeste's eyes gazed at the person in front of her, turning the question over and over again in her head. No, she wasn't the kind of person who would do this kind of thing but it didn't matter, anyway.
With a last push of the branches of an oak tree, the man turned around at her and shook his head toward the field within. He held a forced comforting smile but his eyes warned of something ominous. She ignored him and carefully stride to the center. Awaiting near an elm tree was another man.
She carefully walked up to him while finding her heart thumping louder and louder with each nearing step. Celeste admired his bright red hair and longed to pass her fingers against them. His azure eyes gazed upon the moon and seemed only to concentrate on the single hovering object. Careful not to ruin his focus, she stood near him, not uttering a word. Suddenly, a smooth voice called to her. "Its a beautiful night. Isn't it?" The man looked lovingly at her with his sharp bangs in front of his eyes. A single fingerless white glove caressed her cheek while his other arm pulled her closer.
Lying her head in his chest, she waited a while before answering. "Yes, it is so Tala."
Tala gave a smile as his embrace grew tighter. "I'm surprised Kai hasn't been awoken on such a quiet night as this."
Her shoulders slumped. His mind is never so far from the mission. Without thinking, she quietly muttered," Can't you forget about him tonight?"
Two hands quickly gripped her upper arm and pulled her away from himself. Celeste's eyes widened and her body winced in pain at his grip.
"Don't ever forget about him, Celeste. You mustn't ever forget that. This is utterly important-"
"But...can't we just...for tonight?" She knew she made a mistake as soon as she was roughly pushed onto the floor.
His exterior remained calm but his voice was dripping with threats and impatience. Bending down to Celeste, Tala lifted up her chin so they were eye to eye. She looked at him through light tears. He wiped them away with the back of his other hand without regard. Her bottom lip shivered slightly and her whole body trembled at the presence of the man who she gave her love to. Angry azure eyes clashed into dull green ones as Tala's voice said," Celeste...I need you to do this for me. It is very important to me. I know you hate doing this but I promise that we'll be together after this is all done. I know you're tired of hearing this but I promise." With that, his features softened and repeated in a less menacing voice. "I'm so sorry I hurt you." A rushed breath escaped his lips before uttering," I love you."
She looked at him and her heart melted even when the rest of herself felt hopeless and screamed against it. He stood before her, offering his hand with soft eyes that seemed so kind. Without hesitating, she laid her hand and heart once more to the man. Once more they embraced each other but with loose arms. Celeste's eyes blurred with the leftover tears but she quickly brushed them away with the cuff of Tala's shirt. She secretly wished for the past but felt foolish afterwards.
Brushing light kiss on the back of his neck, she cupped the side of his face with the palm of her hands. For a moment, she saw the man she fell in love with as he gazed lovingly as her and smiled shyly. Covering one of her hands with his own, he closed his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Her lips welcomed his and time stood still for the minute they were together. As they parted, Celeste's hand moved one of Tala's long bangs away from his face. "I love you."
Tala didn't say anything but quickly regained his serious tone. "Are you sure Kai doesn't suspect a thing."?
Celeste shook her head, still holding onto him, she assured him. "No, you were right. He didn't see me as a threat at all." Her companion's eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Excellent. Soon, it'll be all over." He released a sigh with a half chuckle hidden deep in his throat and laid the side of his head on top of her dark hair.
Celeste remained apprehensive. "Tala? May I ask you something?
"What?"
"What use is Kai to the DarkMares?"
"You'll find out Celeste. I promise I'll tell you as your job is over. In a few days."
"But-"
Her sentence was cut off by an abrupt kiss. She roughly pushed him away. With her face scrunched up, she angrily glared at him. "You still didn't answer my question."
Tala seemed surprised at her sudden action and his face scrunched up in confusion and sudden rage. Just as quickly, it melted away and his features were blank. "I'm sorry Celeste. You'll have to wait."
"Can you at least tell me if you plan on hurting him?"
A smirk emerged from his mouth. "No. I don't plan on hurting him." His expression morphed into suspicion." But....why would you care?"
"Nothing!" Yet there was a unsure insistent in her tongue. "I mean...its nothing." Shaking her head she looked at her tattered dress. "I can't wait to take a long bath. I feel so dirty, sleeping on the floor and all.." she said, trying to change the subject.
It seemed to have worked. Tala agreed but added," you still look beautiful, anyway." Celeste blushed at his compliment. "Here's some food. It should last for the rest of the time there. I won't be here until the week is over."
"Why are you leaving?"
"Business," he answered simply, handing her the food. She wanted to go into detail about his 'business' but thought better of it. Celeste accepted the food that was given to her in a small white bag. Slinging it over her shoulder, Celeste gave Tala a final kiss and headed back towards her victim.
The same man awaited her, stretching out his arms and yawning, fresh from sleep. "Are you done already?" he asked with one eye still half closed.
Determined not to let him spoil her good mood, Celeste just gave him a small kick with her feet and hit him over the head with her bag of food. He gave an exasperated sigh and laughed light-heartedly. "So? What did you talk about tonight?"
"Like I said, it isn't any of your business. It turns out that I won't be needing your guidance for the next few nights."
His head immediately jerked up. "Why?"
"Tala had some business to be taken care of at headquarters."
"Oh. Does he need my assistance."
She looked at him quizzedly. "No, I think Tala has enough men. Your assignment is to look after me. Right?'
There was a grumble. "Yeah, right. Like it matters. I can't believe my first assignment is to baby-sit you."
Celeste gave him a withering look as he began brushing off the leaves from his backside. She had questioned Tala about the new guard the other night. The answer was that the boy in front of her was incredible potential, for an amateur and it showed in the training camps. She had questioned his loyalty but only managed to make Tala even more annoyed.
The Chinese man finally began walking to their destination. His eyes rolled lazily at the girl and instantly felt a stab of sympathy for her but it quickly diminished. "Well? You coming or not?".She silently nodded and followed.
____________________________________________________________________________ ____________
AHHH! The ending is so corny! !_! I'm losing my evilness-ness. Sorry for the late update but at least I made the chapter a little longer. Can you say confusing? Yes, we can! Good news, I have a plot! Bad news, only about three more chapters left.