HEY EVERYONE! SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT! I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY INTERNET, SO UPDATES CAN'T COME AS FAST UNTIL I GET IT RESOLVES. IF ANYTHING, I'LL PROBABLY SWITCH INTERNET PROVIDERS, SINCE AT&T CUSTOMER SERVICE IS ABSOLUTE SHIT. ANYWAYS, ENJOY!
Chapter 14: A New Start
Jaxson woke up, feeling great. It was the best sleep he's had in a long while. And why is that might you ask? Well, he and Éclair had gotten together the night before, and they had fallen asleep together in the same bed again. He saw that Éclair was still asleep, and simply looked at her. He smiled, wondering how a horrible person such as himself had gotten lucky enough to be with a girl like Éclair. Sure, she had her shortcomings and personality quirks, but he liked that about her. She didn't care if she fit in normally or not. She was herself all the time. He saw Éclair start to wake up, and smiled. Éclair saw Jaxson smiling face, and was kissed on the forehead upon waking up.
"Good morning love," Jaxson whispered, Éclair blushing. It suddenly turned to surprise when she felt something touch her back that wasn't a hand. Turning her head, Jaxson raising his, they both saw the salamander, which blinked. "You are exactly like a dog."
"Excuse me?" Éclair questioned.
"Not you. Him," Jaxson clarified, pointing at the salamander. "Dogs on Earth will more than ninety percent of the time will wake you up by nudging you with their nose, lick you, or jump in the bed. Some people also let their dog sleep in the same bed as them. But my question is how did he get to our home? I remember leaving him in the castle fountain before leaving."
"Was that before or after Millhiore got to you?" Éclair asked.
"After. She has a mean left hook," Jaxson answered. "Wait. Our door was closed. Locked even. How did you get in here?"
Jaxson got out of bed, Éclair going red again, as he was only one article of clothing short from being completely undressed. He put on a pair of shorts, and took one of his pistols, making sure to set the energy level low enough to stun the intruder. Walking out the bedroom door, he darted his eyes around, checking for anyone. Seeing nothing, he proceeded, hearing something behind him. Turning around, he saw Ricotta sighing.
"Ricotta let herself in," Jaxson informed, holstering the pistol. "You had us scared."
"So, how's the honeymoon?" Ricotta asked, Jaxson resisting the urge to rip her a new one.
"Haha, very funny. You should become a comedian," Jaxson sarcastically replied.
"So, what were you two doing? It's nearly noon," Ricotta wondered.
Instead of answering, his mind went on a tangent. "Would you say that it's," Jaxson paused for a second. "High noon?"
Ricotta, who didn't understand the reference tilted her head. "I guess? Éclair wanted to train with everyone today, and she didn't turn up at the castle, and when Yuki came by, she wasn't with her, so we came here. Your salamander followed us."
"Okay. Well, since you're here, do you want something to eat? Lunch perhaps?" Jaxson offered, Éclair entering now fully dressed.
"If you could make some lunch that we can take with us that would be fine," Yukikaze smiled, Jaxson nodding. Jaxson entered the kitchen the two looking at Éclair.
"So, how was he?" Ricotta asked, Éclair blushing.
"We didn't do anything!" Jaxson shouted from the kitchen. "I am still in ear shot you know!"
"Rico's jokes aside. I'm really happy for you. When did it happen?" Yukikaze asked.
"Last night. She didn't like these two girls so close to him. After dragging him outside, I don't know what happened, but I'm guessing that is where it happened," Ricotta answered.
"You aren't wrong. I pulled him into a kiss without even thinking. When we broke the kiss, he saw that I was tearing up a bit, and that is where I told him how I felt," Éclair explained, her face a light shade of red.
"So, what is Jaxson making in the kitchen? It smells great," Ricotta asked, pointing out the sweet aroma in the room.
"Who knows? But sometimes it can smell good, but taste bad," Éclair informed them.
"Really? How is that possible?" Yukikaze questioned.
"He experiments at times. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't," Éclair explained.
"So, ready for training Éclair?" Yukikaze asked, the salamander blinking before moving to the wall. Not next to the wall either. On it. Jaxson came out with some eggs and sausage, a simple breakfast. He didn't want to do anything too extreme, since he wanted to see what they were up to. After giving Éclair her plate, he ate his, heading straight back into the kitchen.
/-/30 Minutes Later\-\
"So Millhiore trains with you guys every now and then?" Jaxson confirmed, seeing Millhiore walking next to Shinku.
"That's right. Though they can get sidetracked at times," Éclair answered, seeing Jaxson taking out a small metal item out if his pocket. He started to bend it into shape, creating a small disc. Jaxson then applied pressure while aiming it at Shinku. Before Éclair could stop him, the paper clip disc hit Shinku's head, Jaxson acting natural. SHinku turned his head, Jaxson seemingly innocent. Though one look at Éclair and Shinku knew Jaxson had just done something. He wasn't sure what it was, but he turned back to face forward, Jaxson stopping to pick up the little disc.
"What is your problem?" Éclair questioned.
"Bored?" Jaxson answered, shrugging his shoulders. "Besides, you used to hit him. That should be nothing compared to the paper clip discus I made."
"How long have you had that paper clip?" Éclair continued.
"Don't know. But most pants and shorts I have end up having a little surprise in them that I forget about, remembering at the strangest times. Like the paper clip," Jaxson answered.
"You're an idiot," Éclair sighed.
"But I'm your idiot," Jaxson smiled, kissing Éclair's cheek. Jaxson saw the place they were at, and was now in training mode. Pocketing the little disc, he waited for the last members to arrive. He was told they were from Galette, so it could take a few minutes. Suddenly dropping down, he started to do push-ups, getting in fifty until he felt the ground vibrate. Getting up, he saw six figures in the distance, growing larger fast. He assumed they were riding cercles, and was proven right when they got close enough to make out the riders.
Leading them was Gaul followed by Génoise members Noir, Jaune and Vert. Behind them he was able to make out two females who seemed to be chatting, one he knew as Leonmitchelli, the other he assumed to be Nanami, whose name he has only heard of. Waiting until they dismounted, he recognized the other human as the Hero of Galette.
"Greetings," Jaxson spoke with a serious voice, sounding more mature than he was a second ago. "Génoise I assume. We were never properly introduced. I am Jaxson Amber, former assassin. Pleased to meet you."
The black haired girl who seemed shy spoke first. "Noir Vinocacao."
'I see she must be the chatty one,' Jaxson thought sarcastically, noticing she was unarmed.
"Hello Jaxson. I'm Jaune Clafoutis. Nice to finally meet you," the tiger-like girl smiled, shaking his hand.
'That is some serious grip strength! What the hell is up with her?' Jaxson thought, never meeting someone with such a strong grip before.
"I'm Vert FarBreton. Pleased to meet you," the rabbit bowed.
'She seems normal enough,' Jaxson thought, seeing her face plant. 'I take that back. She must be the clumsy one of the group. How does she use that bow then?' Jaxson helped her up out of reflex and instinct.
"Can I assume this is everyone?" Jaxson confirmed, Gaul smirking.
"You assumption is right. So, I hear you are going to be training with us from now on, is that right?" Gaul asked.
"That is correct. I hope to learn from you guys, and vice versa. Can I also assume that this is just the meeting place, and there is somewhere more specious for us to train?" Jaxson replied, Gaul smirking in response.
"Lead the way," Jaxson signaled, Shinku and Yukikaze taking the lead.
"So, what do you prefer?" Jaune asked Jaxson, wondering what his preferred weapon type was.
"Dual weapons," Jaxson answered.
"What weapons?" Jaune asked again.
"Any and all dual weapons. Hand to hand combat included," Jaxson clarified, Jaune stopping in her tracks. She quickly caught up again.
"And personal favorite combination?" Jaune continued the conversation.
"Daggers, axes, and swords are my personal favorites. That is a pretty impressive grip strength you have. What do you do? Hand to hand?" Jaxson asked, Jaune shaking her head.
"Battle axe," Jaune answered.
"That must be some battle axe. At least twice your size if your strength is that powerful," Jaxson replied. "Have you thought of smaller weapons for demon attacks? Single combat axe or dual combat axes? You could easily shred through any demon with that strength and enough precision."
"I can't seem to get the hang of them. I've tried to learn, but it never goes well," Jaune answered.
"Surely you didn't start off that large. You had to work your way up," Jaxson pointed out.
"By the time I had a hang of my battle style, I was wielding that large axe," Jaune informed.
"I keep it small. I need to talk to a black smith so that I can change up my arsenal. Going for a soft weapon, which hits like a hammer, or a pair of gauntlets," Jaxson informed.
"What weapon is it? The hammer type weapon?" Jaune questioned.
"Meteor hammer. Shao Lin weapon. I know the basics, and can chain them together. All you need to know is the basics for weapons and you can create your own techniques," Jaxson answered. "I don't blame you for not hearing of the weapon, as not many people have. Trained for one year with it while on an assassination contract. I had to lay low, and it was actually time well spent."
"How does it work?" Jaune wondered.
"Imaging a controlled weight flying at a target that you can call back and continuously throw around. That is the meteor hammer. I can't really explain it that well," Jaxson sheepishly answered. His eyes fell on Éclair, who huffed, Jaxson knowing that he was messing up big time. "I'm sorry, but I have to cut this conversation short."
Jaxson gave no explanation, and went straight to Éclair, Jaune putting the pieces together. Noir and vert came up behind her.
"So, what were you two talking about?" Noir asked quietly.
"Weapons. What kind he prefers, and some changes in his weaponry," Jaune answered.
"So what was going on with your tail?" Vert asked, an audible smack being heard after she asked that question.
"It was nothing. He was telling me about an interesting weapon. Sounded like fun. He called it a meteor hammer," Jaune answered.
"Oh Vert," Jaxson's voice came, Génoise looking, Jaxson smiling. Although it looked welcoming, there was a sense of death in his words. "You done fucked up. You're treading on dangerous waters."
The Génoise trio suddenly wanted nothing more than to run away, as his eyes narrowed, and almost for a second, they saw him covered from head to toe in blood. Quickly shaking their head to clear the image, they saw Jaxson trying to talk to Éclair, who seemed to be ignoring him.
"I think I might have messed up their relationship," Jaune revealed.
"Vert said it too loudly," Noir added.
By the time everyone was at the location, Éclair and Jaxson were not talking, Éclair even making sure Jaxson was nowhere near her. Jaune knew she needed to make things right between them, and went next to Éclair.
"Listen, nothing happened. We were talking about weapons, that's all. I swear," Jaune whispered as to not make a scene.
"Alright," Jaxson spoke, Jaune and Éclair looking to see what he had replied to. They saw Yukikaze draw her blade, Jaxson dropping his gear. Confusing everyone there, Jaxson was confident. "Hey Gaul, mind helping Yukikaze out? I don't want to win in an instant."
Even more confused, Gaul stood next to Yukikaze, everyone wondering what he was doing, save for Éclair and Leonmitchelli, who had seen what he can do first hand. However, they had never seen him unarmed, so this was more intriguing than it was confusing for them.
"I'll give you thirty seconds to try to hit me without me counter attacking. Your time begins now," Jaxson informed. Gaul and Yukikaze tried to flank him, failing as he was no longer where he was standing. He was balancing on one foot on a small rock that was slightly above water.
"Surely you can do better. Twenty-five seconds," Jaxson spoke, revealing his location. Gaul changed, Jaxson flipping over him, going into a hand spring to launch himself over Yukikaze, landing in the water, looking calm, and over confident. "Over here. Nineteen seconds."
Yukikaze went in as she was closer, Jaxson ducking under a slice, kicking back on the ground to avoid an aerial strike. Jaxson smiled. "Fourteen seconds."
They were now somewhat impressed, as he was easily evading and predicting their attacks. Learning and adapting faster than they could keep up with. The duo went in close, trying to get the jump on him. Jaxson let them get on either side, and started to dance between their attacks, making it look effortless. After nine seconds Jaxson jumped.
"Five seconds. I was expecting more," Jaxson taunted, landing where he started. Jaxson counted down in his head to the end, jumping and rolling away from them, until time ran up. "Time. My turn."
Jaxson seemingly vanished, Reappearing behind them, sending up a large amount of water, making them shield their eyes. They figured out that they had fallen victim to his plan, and Gaul was hit with an open palm strike, forcing him back a few meters. Yukikaze however was not as lucky, and was on the ground, panting, trying to catch her breath, having the wind knocked out of her. He had cloth lined her stomach, and sent a knee her way. Jaxson was now walking calmly towards Gaul, who had had enough. His hands and feet became cloaked in a yellow and blue aura, Jaxson having a feeling that Gaul was getting serious.
"I see you and I know hand to hand combat. Or at least some form of it. Try it," Jaxson challenged, ready for anything. Gaul was like a speeding bullet now, Jaxson being knocked back considerably, not expecting that much speed and power. Jaxson knew he had to be careful, and narrowed his eyes, making sure to read Gaul closely in order to avoid ending up eating his words. He paid close attention, and saw Gaul's foot twitch before he launched himself at Jaxson, who easily dodged the attack, now having a sense of speed from Gaul. Jumping back, Jaxson threw up another water wall, Gaul crashing through it, not seeing Jaxson. He felt a foot connect with his head, sending him to the water, Jaxson pulling him up before he breathed in too much water. He listened to Gaul's chest, feeling his heartbeat, sighing in relief. He was just unconscious, and would have to learn everything over.
"Until he wakes up, I am not going to say anything. I want everyone to hear what most of you are wondering," Jaxson revealed. A few minutes passed before Gaul started coughing up water, looking around him. "Welcome back. You played into my hands. I didn't think I hit you that hard, but I was mistaken."
"What happened?" Gaul asked.
"Spinning axe kick. Momentum and gravity worked against you back there. I came crashing down like a boulder," Jaxson answered.
"How did you manage against two people with no weapons or magic?" Yukikaze asked.
"I focused more on one target while defending against another. That first water wall was meant as a distraction to throw you both off, allowing me to throwback one while I focused on the other. Once they were down, I focused my attention elsewhere," Jaxson revealed. "I'm surprised that Gaul withstood an open palm strike from me. Not many people have."
"Hurts like hell," Gaul grimaced, Jaxson helping him up.
"So, what do you say? Shall I train you guys to handle demons?" Jaxson offered.
"Once you get that bandage removed. I'm surprised you still managed to dodge our attacks while your vision was obscured," Yukikaze replied.
"I used by ears as an extra set of eyes. Not as reliable as my real eyes, but it can get the job done. Your footsteps in water create more noise than on solid ground. I tried to keep you in the water to use my ears," Jaxson explained. "I'll be teaching you guys how to use all your senses to get the edge over your demon adversaries. Once I get all my senses back that is. In the meantime, I'll learn things from you and train hard. That is if you will allow me to train you. At least three times a week. I do expect to see the leaders here, but it is up to them. I also understand that they have paperwork to do as well."
"We were able to beat those demons with your help," Gaul started, able to stand on his own now. "However, there could be stronger ones later. Ones that we might not be able to beat at our current state. I'll join your training once it starts so that we won't be solely relying on you."
"Well, training your body is one thing. Both body and mind will be trained. On days we aren't physically training, I want you to train your minds as well, along with your senses," Jaxson added.
"Count me in. Someone has to keep an eye on our Gaul," Jaune joined in.
"Like Gaul pointed out, we might not be strong enough next time. We need to make sure we are ready for anything. I'll try to make it when I can," Millhiore answered.
"I'll join as well. Though I won't be able to train here, I can also train on Earth," Shinku agreed.
"Count me in. I wish to see what you have to offer us," Yukikaze smiled.
"I'll also be here. I remember that my demon arte was completely cancelled out by that werewolf. I don't want that to be my only attack for demons," Éclair explained, joining in on the training.
"I don't think I could handle your training. I will have to decline your offer," Nanami politely declined.
"I will stay behind so that our country isn't without a leader while you train my brother. I might join every now and again, but not often enough to make me a regular," Leomitchelli added.
"I should probably join the training as well. Like Éclair, I only have one arte, and I wish to further it and learn new attacks," Noir agreed.
"I will stay behind with Leo-sama. I don't think I would be a good fit. I've been told I am clumsy, and I might end up getting in the way," Vert declined. "I also don't think I can handle close combat either."
"Understandable. So Gaul, Millhiore, Éclair, Yukikaze, and Noir will be regulars, Shinku when he is here, and Leomitchelli from time to time. Nanami and Vert Might, but not likely, is that correct?" Jaxson confirmed, everyone nodding. "Then it's settled! For those who declined, I bear no ill will towards you. I understand your reasons, even if unspoken. For those training with me, it will be tough. I won't lie, you could end up seriously injured. If you are still comfortable with this, I'll see you all in a month. I need to make sure my eye heals properly. I do recommend you all meditate at least one hour a day to have a clear mind. Helps with focus and mental training."
I AM WORKING ON MULTIPLE PROJECTS, AS IT HELPS ME FOCUS. UNTIL NEXT TIME!