I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I turned over on the bed. The air smelt fresh, cleaner than usual. Instinctively, I stretched out my hand to stop my alarm before it decided it was time to destroy my eardrums. But rather than an alarm clock, the skin on my palm was met with nothing.
My eyelids fluttered open, squinting slightly to take in the sun. I sat up, my untamed hair hanging like a rats nest on my head. My eyes scanned the interior of the unfamiliar room and only then did all the newfound memories come flooding back in.
I wasn't home anymore. I wasn't in the pack.
I sighed and got out of the bed. I might have had a moment of amnesia, but it only lasted for a second.
"You're an early bird I see" my ears perked up to the familiar voice of lylena "good morning xaaji" she said and I hummed in reply.
"When do I start?" I asked, avoiding any form of pleasantries and getting straight to the point.
She arched a brow and swallowed whatever comment she wanted to make "modi is already waiting for you. Combat training will begin first and then we'll begin learning how to use your powers"
I nodded softly "okay"
She smiled and tilted her head towards the door in a gesture that said "follow me"
My feet stepped in a place behind her and.,..
FLASH
"Siesie wait for me" my tiny bare feet stepped in place behind an older looking girl. She was young, not more than eight, but to me she was old. Far more older than anyone I knew.
"You're too slow" she replied in irritation
THE PRESENT
I blinked once.....and then again. Siesie? Who was that?
Lylena turned "Are you not coming great one?" I looked down and realized that I had stopped walking and she was a good distance away from me.
"I'm coming, I just kinda remembered something" I said sheepishly.
"Would you want to share?"
"Nope, it's... unimportant" but was it truly unimportant.
Lylena led me to a room with iron double doors that was made for giants. It was humongous.
"We did have giants once" lylena said, as if reading my mind. My mouth opened and closed like a fish in surprise
"How....how did you...."
She grunted "you have subtitles on your face"
I grimaced "no I do not"
"Okay" she muttered dismissively.
Why did I feel offended by that response. I frowned.
"Watch" Lylena tapped her long bony fingers on the door three times and then it opened, revealing a large room that could fit a thousand people, or more even. "This was once a ball room, back when....." She stopped mid sentence and cleared her throat in discomfort.
"Back when what?"
"Back when we loved to party"
That wasn't what she had meant to say, I could almost swear it in my bones. But I didn't ask further questions. I'll find out eventually.
"Good morning great one" I froze at the sound of modi's voice. Will I ever get used to this? "Are you ready?"
"Yes" I squeaked as guilt twisted in my stomach
"Goodluck great one. I'll leave you to your training" she turned to modi, her voice holding a commanding tone "she's in your hands now, take care of her"
Modi kneeled, dropping one knee to the ground and resting her elbow on top the other "it is a great honour to be your teacher great one. May your blessings follow me even to my next life" she bowed her head, showing me her neck in submission.
I stood awkwardly still. Was I supposed to say something. And if I should say something what would it be.
"It will" I said with uncertainty. Was that the right thing to say? Oh gosh please tell me I didn't f*ck up a sacred ritual with my stupidity.
Modi stood up with a smile on her face. Well I guess that's a good sign. She clasped her hands behind her back, her feet braced together in a combat stance "let's begin. From now on you listen to every word I say"
I squared my shoulders immediately "Yes sir.....I mean ma'am" I stuttered. Gosh she's intimidating.
"We'll start with the basics. Your muscles are weak and you cannot fight if you're too weak. You'll die before the battle even begins"
She sounds like a knight in those medieval themed movies preparing their armies for battle.
"Let's start with making your muscles and body strong enough to take a punch"
My eyes widened "Take a what"
"A punch, great one" she replied with a straight face.
"I thought I'm the one giving the punches. You know, like Bruce Lee"
"If you cannot handle what you're giving then you shouldn't give it"
I gulped in anticipation and dread. This will definitely hurt like a bitch "what are we gonna start with"
"Basics"
After four hours of complete torture, I was sure my muscles were completely fried up like an electric circuit.
"I can't do it anymore" I heaved.
Modi stared down at my exhausted and defeated body. Despite the fact that she had joined me in the training, she still looked energetic and still gorgeous.
"That's enough for today, we'll continue tomorrow" she said
"Thank the heavens" I said in pure and exhilaration
The sides of her lips curled up in a slight grin as she walked away "see you tomorrow great one."
This was my chance and I couldn't let it slip. I needed answers, I wanted them and modi might have them. Without thinking, I opened my mouth and let the words flow out without filter
"What happened to makia?" Guilt twisted in my stomach at the sound of her name.
Modi froze
SILENCE
I felt my breath get hitched in my throat. Was that the wrong question to ask? But I've already asked it anyways so I might just get it over with.
"Why is no one talking about it? About her. No one is mourning her when she's....." I choked "she's dead" my voice broke at the end and I hated it. "Wasn't she important? Wasn't she loved by someone. Anyone"
SILENCE
I licked my dry lips, my heart beating erratically. "Didn't you love her?"
"Dearly"
It took me a few seconds to realize that she had spoken.
"Then why aren't you mourning her. Why don't you...." I choked on my own words again, unable to finish the sentence
"Why don't I hate you" her eyes found mine as she said the words that I was unable to utter. That I was too scared to admit.
My brows lowered "Yes" I whispered
"Who says I don't?"