Chapter 20

December

Snek stared at the calendar and realized his days as being a human were nearly over. Only a few weeks left and yet, he was conflicted. A part of him couldn't wait to return to his M Class Dragon status, he gets to return to being a snake creature and able to do what he loves. Yet, now he wonders if it is worth it. He would hear Angela's voice as she spoke with Drax on school options, his future and what he wanted to do. His training has come a long way; in fact, it was late November when Garou even came to watch them train. He was oddly silent until at one point and said something to Snek.

"Did you see that?"

"See what?"

"You taught him that what, a few days ago? He's mastered it already."

He remembered they were in the park when he showed Drax the more intense aspect of the Biting Snake fist form of combat. Drax didn't struggle as much as Snek did at first with the method, but now, he shows him once, Drax will practice it until it is perfected. Garou happened to have been in the area and wanted to see how they trained. It was him that picked up on it.

"I think he's got it. The genius combatant skill I do."

Snek froze to the news. "Really?"

"Show him something else."

"KID!" Snek called.

Drax gave him his full attention. "Let's see you do this one. Ready?" Drax watched with great intensity, Snek displayed what was called the Python dash and strike. He moved in quick, as his arms appeared to go for a thrust attack, only to pull back last minute, duck down, slide and then strike.

He turned to Drax. "Think you can do that?"

There was a look of determination on Drax, he took his stance, and just like Snek, he did the movement flawlessly. He was impressed to say the least. Garou was smirking as he leaned against the tree. "Called it." He said.

Snek smirked. "Okay, so there's no point in going slow now is there? Drax, let's bombard your mind with everything I got! But don't tell your mother, if anything we'll say you mastered the leg movements since I won't have them soon enough!"

Since then, Snek hasn't told Angela that her son is a martial art genius like Garou. He has mastered his form of Biting Snake Fist and it won't be long until he learns from the others and becomes a very skilled hero.

"You okay? You've been staring at that calendar for a long time." Snek snapped out of his blank stare, Angela's arms wrapped around him as she embraced him tightly.

"Yeah, fine, can't believe I am nearly through this." He said. "But, all good things come to an end right?"

She rested her head against his chest. "I suppose, I am curious to how you look when you turn back. I've seen the photos, but they don't do it justice, do they?"

He laughed. "Cameras add ten pounds. Ironically with photos they take of me, I look a lot smaller than I appear!"

She giggled at the thought. "So, what now?"

"Well, Christmas is coming up. I am going to have to so some shopping, as well, I am going to be moving a few things back to Garou's soon enough…"

His phone then went off. "Excuse me." Angela pulled away as he answered. "You got Snek"

"Snek… Amai."

He froze for a moment, why would Amai Mask be calling him? "Is everything okay? Something wrong?"

"No… no everything is fine. I would like to speak with you if you have the time. Are you free?"

This was a little unsetting to Snek to say the least, "Yeah, I am. Where do you want to meet me, Mask?"

"I'll come to you, outside of your apartment. Be there in a while, chow." And he hung up.

"Huh… Amai Mask wants to talk to me."

Angela was stunned. "Really? Are you two… okay?" she asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I really don't know what to expect with him anymore. I'll be fine. He knows if anything happens to me, he's stuck as a snake!"

"Oh… I am relieved and yet still slightly worried."

"Nah, don't be. He's going to be here in a while; I got to meet him on the streets. I'll be back okay?" he peered outside and knew he had to dress warmly, there was snow on the ground too. Snek dressed for the occasion and made his way downstairs.

He was outside for a few minutes when he saw the blue serpent approach. He was dressed rather favorably for the occasion, no doubt he was testing Alley's latest invention on keeping him warm. It looked like a snake snowsuit! Snek smirked as he peered behind Amai and saw the kids that followed him around. Amai didn't know this, but it happened to Snek all the time during the winter. The kids love it when a path is made for them on the sideway. "You can rent yourself out as a plow if need be." He joked.

Amai forced a smile as he asked for Snek to follow him. Curiosity got the better of him as he was led to an odd art piece in the middle of the town. "Oh yeah, I saw this thing go in, some art piece or something?"

"Not quite, if anything it's for you… and for me for the moment. Feel it." Snek stared at this large black stone that sat in the middle of the town. He just rested his hand on it when he felt warmth!

"A heating rock!?"

Sweet Mask smiled. "Indeed, a heating rock in the winter and it becomes a cooling rock in the summer. I can't imagine how those hot days feel like this, but I can only assume they are uncomfortable."

"You don't know the half of it!" Snek paused. "But… where…"

"I put this in, there is one in each of the cities for you when you go on patrol. Consider it a peace offering and Christmas gift from me."

"Wait… what!? Really?"

Amai went on to say he has much to atone for, he still doesn't consider himself even with Snek, despite his attempt to clear the slate with him. However the one task he hasn't been able to fulfill was to get bitten by Garou. Snek refused the idea. "Look, you were stupid for doing that, I ain't going to hold it over your head forever. Besides, why the hell would you want Garou to bite your ass? I doubt he would want to go through it either"

"I must atone!" Amai protested. "There has to be more I can do, I don't wish for this guilt to burden me anymore. If I am to change my ways, I must do this to know the pain I have caused other and won't do so again."

"Amai… we're good." Snek said. "I don't want to see you get bit by Garou, and he doesn't want to do it. As far as I am concerned, we're good."

Sweet Mask nodded. "You may consider that, but I cannot accept it. I will find a way to atone for my actions."

Snek smirked once more. "So, what are you hoping for Christmas?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"Well, Angela, Drax and I are going to be at Garou's place for Christmas Eve and spending Christmas day there too. I got to start moving my stuff back in anyways."

"It's almost done isn't it?"

"Yeah," Snek paused but smirked. "You want some new fans? Let's go to the park, I'll show you have you can help the kids make the best snow fort ever!"