It's been two days ever since I've met the Ashford sisters. I've adapted to their ways of living pretty quickly. They've fed me and gave me hospitality alongside handing me their clothes. Seraphina tried her best finding the clothes that I asked for back in the gas station with Jolene: Grayish, blackish type with hand-gloves and more padding.
When I tried the clothes she gave me, it was the exact same outfit I've pictured in my mind. I stared at my reflection in front of the cracked mirror. I couldn't help but to gaze so deeply at myself. I looked so much different than before…especially with my hair tied up in a ponytail. My hair still reached to my lower half of my body, but it wasn't messy or in my face. I left two strands hanging on the both sides of my head because with all my hair back—I look like an egg.
"Meow!" That was Phoenix.
"Meow," Phoenix purred, rubbing her head against my leg.
"Oh, my baby Ailouros.." I cooed, sitting on the ground with my legs becoming crossed.
I remembered when Jolene called her a "kitten." I'm aware of what Ailouros meant; but I assumed that humans used the old-term while identifying a baby kitten or a cat. I'll still use the term, honestly I think it's pretty.
Ding!
-A MESSAGE SENT BY THE PHENOMENON, KAIROS-
"Are you still alive?"
Ah, yes. Kairos. Kairos left two days ago…he couldn't stand the thought of hanging around with humans. I wasn't mad about it, just a bit annoyed. Jolene and Seraphina has proven themselves that they didn't have any ill intentions towards me. Well, Jolene was a bit suspicious of me, but she still brushed it off.
Thinking….
"Mahina?"
It was still sweet how much he cared about me.
Thinking…
"You know, if you just get to know them, they're not that bad."
Thinking…
"Oh please…Mahina, you don't understand how humans act. What if they find out what you are and end up killing you? I mean—the way you talk is just giving it away."
I sighed. You would assume that I would understand how to act normal because of how much studies I've read. Honestly? I was always taught to be myself no matter what I am. Yet, I can't stop myself thinking what if Kairos is right.
Here comes the second thoughts. I stopped stroking Phoenix's head, staring onto the floor. The corner of my lip twitching shifting into a frown.
Thinking…
"Well, I guess you have a point."
Thinking…
"I always do."
I rolled my eyes. I laid flat on the ground with my arms sprawled. Phoenix's body flopped on the ground, staring at me confused.
Thinking…
"Also, I forgot to ask you this question, but I was too focused on the humans."
Thinking…
"Go on."
Thinking….
…..
"How did you find this feature, Mahina?"
I blinked.
I raised my eyebrow at his message. What did he mean by this "feature?" I stood quiet for a moment.
Thinking…
"What do you mean?"
Thinking…
"This mind-reading feature. I don't remember ever being a 'sending-thoughts' feature on the contract?"
Thinking…
"It says message..What the heck is a mind-reading feature?"
Thinking…
"…nevermind. Just try not to get yourself killed."
After that, he just went silent.
I don't know why, but I feel Kairos hasn't unlocked or has been given features like me. I assumed that he also had this messaging feature since he can respond to me. The notifications even labeled them as "messages."
What did he mean by mind-reading and sending thoughts? Seriously, this job gets more and more confusing every time. You're probably confused just as much I am.
I'll just shrug it off for now. This was my moment to finally become new and learn more about humanity.
"Yooo, Mahina!" Jolene's voice called out to me. I whipped my head to the right, noticing Jolene standing right at the entrance of the hideout.
"Sera wants to know if you wanna join us training." Jolene said, throwing her claymore over her shoulder. "If you're fine with that?"
My first mission with humans…who wouldn't wanna accept that offer?
I sprang up from the floor, running towards my Toasted Whipped sword. I sadly didn't have my Rosary Hail because it was indeed Seraphina's weapon. She thanked me for finding it. I felt bad for keeping it so I let her have it.
"Wait—" I stopped, staring down at Phoenix. "What about Phoenix?"
Jolene walked over the laying Ailouros, patting her head. "She can stay here. We aren't going too far away from the hideout."
As long as Phoenix was safe. Phoenix was in a good shape, but wasn't in a good state to use her powers again. I was worried that she might've died while helping us get away from that snake.
'You're so brave, Phoenix.'
I sheathed my sword inside of my belt pocket. Did you know that belts can have these pockets on the sides? So cool! Seraphina calls them "belt bags." She has them for her own. I always wondered how did they manage to obtain so much items despite this place being full of debris and dust?
'Man, they're awesome.'
I don't understand why Jolene would ever want me to be apart of their family. I act like a nerd besides them. Jolene was waiting for me patiently. I suppose I should get going, no?
When Jolene saw that I was ready to go, she turned around on her heel and started to walk out of the hideout. I followed right behind her adjusting my hand-gloves. I wonder what Seraphina planned. The training, I mean. Will this be fighting low Tiers? Or—
Wait—
The Tiers!
"Hey, Jolene!" The thought came out too quickly that it made Jolene halt in her tracks.
"Sorry—but I have a question I've been meaning to ask you." I said, waiting for her response.
"..go on."
"How did you know that the snake was an A-Tier?"
I assumed that they didn't know what Tiers were since Jolene couldn't see the messages I've received or her weapon name labels. What if they can only see what Tier a creature is? I don't know, that's why I wanna find out.
"Oh, because you said what it was," Jolene stated.
I stared at her lifting one eyebrow. Jolene removed her hand from her hoodie, twisting a braid around her index finger.
"You tend to speak a lot in battle. When you were fighting that snake, you kept mentioning that it was an A-Tier." Jolene chuckled.
"Just like in a game. Yes?"
I cleared my throat. Was I actually talking that much? I'm pretty sure I was saying everything in my head. I just let out a chuckle, my cheeks becoming a bright pink.
"Sorry. I assumed what Tiers were.." I muttered.
Jolene stared at me blankly. She stared at me up and down. Those eyes were filled with suspicion and uncertainty. The back of my neck hairs lifted: Has Jolene already caught on my weird behavior? Should've I just listened to what Kairos been saying all this time? I gulped down a huge chunk of my own regrets.
"Right." Jolene shrugged. She turned around and continued to walk.
'Oh stars, what am I doing?'
I mentally slapped myself on the head. Was I being that obvious? There's no way I could've been! If I was, then Seraphina and Jolene would've caught right on! I'm not underestimating their intelligence.
Unless they're trying to set me up?
Or trying to get me off guard and making me reveal my true identity?
Oh my, I don't know what to think!
My rushing thoughts of uncertainty are causing my head to pound. I didn't realize just how stressful this situation was back then. I think I'm starting to understand why Kairos acted so cautious in the first place.
A sense of doom hit me hard in my chest. I was too light about this situation that my own choices are now making me feel responsible for what's going to happen next.
Jolene would never hurt me, right? Even if I was another species or something that wasn't human. I know we just met, but I don't think she'll find it necessary to harm me. I haven't done anything. Seraphina would think the same. They're both incredibly nice, talented and motherly in their own way.
'Deep breaths, Mahina.'
I let out a big sigh.
'You're fine. Just be yourself.'
That's what they love. They love when you be yourself.
I shouldn't let my overthinking get the best of me. The last time I did such a thing—it wasn't at all good. I tend to overthink things when I'm in a stressful state. It's just the thought of being exposed that makes me wanna shrivel up inside of a box and die in my own puddle of tears. Yet, Jolene or Seraphina are just too nice and noble to harm anyone.
Jolene, maybe… but not Seraphina. Seraphina gave me care, food, and a place to stay.
"All I see is a young child in need of help. You can stay here with us, baby. You don't need to stay here alone."
Her warm words riled me up in a way I couldn't explain. The way she would talk to me reminded me of how my mother would speak to me whenever I questioned her why I couldn't see the outside world freely without needing someone to watch me…
…
"Mahina, why must you be so eager to see the outside world?"
Whispers came from shadows. Her cold palm creased my cheek. She used her sharp, faded black nail to twirl a strand of my black hair.
"The dangers that lie ahead are no good, child."
Her lips land a soft peck against my forehead. Her black lipstick stained my pale skin; my hand wiping it off with a groan.
"They wouldn't spare you because you're young and filled with innocence…they would want to devour that innocence."
Her fingers stroked my arm. The same arm that was filled with golden tattoos that would swirl in every direction all the way up to my shoulder, and all the way down to the tip of my fingers.
"I don't do this solely for myself; but for you, your brothers, and your sisters. You matter too much to me. I would be devastated if I saw you dead in the hands of a bloody man."
I can only stare outside of the glassed window. I wished to live freely as a bird in that world up there. I would want to swim across the seas, smell the blossoming flowers and talk to nature herself…
"What about a bloody woman?"
I asked. My child-like innocence would make her laugh softly.
"Yes. Even in the hands of a woman, my child."
'Why do you care so much for me, mama?'
…
If I keep thinking sad stuff like that, more tears would fall down.
Me and Jolene arrived outside of the hideout. Seraphina was nowhere to be seen, but I assumed that she was in a destination where it had more space to train. My skin became cold from being nervous. I'd never thought that I would be training against another living species: I've been doing that with so much creatures that it was a normal routine for me.
I had to thank them in some way in the future. Jolene and Seraphina, I mean. They're willing to help me train in order to improve myself in the future just in case I face a much more harder Tier out there.
I hope it isn't too soon though.
"Hey, Mahina." Jolene lowered down her claymore.
"Yeah?—"
!
Jolene whipped around her entire body, gripping the hilt of her claymore as the tip of the blade gouged inside of the grassy, soil. I froze in my tracks. Jolene leaned against her claymore with a loud chuckle.
"Quick reflexes!" She pulled her claymore from the ground. "That's what we both need for this training. Sera won't go easy, especially when it comes to teaching us."
She winked turning back around casually throwing her claymore on her shoulder again.
My heart completely stopped for a moment. I truly believed that my overthinking thoughts came true. Why did she do that? Just to test my reflexes? I mean, I won't lie that was a clever move—she tested if I would react fast or would get caught off guard.
But the way she started it off to test that, it's just unexplainable for me to put in words. You know those starter conversations whenever you're about to strike? I read stories about them—they'll call out your name or yell something to get your attention—you won't get a chance to respond because you were already in your most vulnerable state.
The "disorientation" tactic. Jolene used that tactic to caught me off guard!
I clenched my fist. Incredibly terrifying in a good way. Jolene's strongest trait is definitely her cleverness. I'm so sure that she can tied with my brother with all of his stupid trickery-funny-tricks! She even has the same personality as him.
"Ahem—sorry for that." Jolene apologized. I regained my posture and followed behind her.
"Just had to test how fast you are. You can't let your guard down whenever that happens." Jolene swayed her hand. "It's a common technique. It's most commonly used to confuse the enemy, but from a completely different direction."
She flashed a sharp grin. "You're lucky that I wasn't that someone from a completely different direction."
I am lucky. Jolene was quite terrifying that she made the back of my neck hairs stick up.
"Hehe…" I let out a nervous chuckle to appear nonchalant.
Though she's incredibly wonderful into bringing fear inside of me, I do know that she has a dark sense of humor, using that humor in an attempt to make me laugh. I have too many of my family members who had the same humor as her, but I just can't bring myself to laugh at it, I can only shiver and just pray it wasn't serious.
Would I be wrong to say that it makes Jolene increasingly attractive? I mean, I've founded her attractive from the start. Right now with that stunt she pulled? My ears are just burning with heat.
-You know how it goes. The author decides to fast-forward a few minutes forward to where young Mahina and Jolene arrives at Seraphina's location. They greet each other, blah, blah, blah…-
-Remaining to the current scene.-
Seraphina hits me with a lot of questions the second I got here. She asks me if I was completely okay with this and if I needed more time to heal. I kept telling I'm completely in good shape to train, but she suggested just letting her and Jolene train first.
I didn't wanna be disrespectful. I sat on the grass: my eyes followed the two with intense focus.
Jolene Ashford: shift and quick in her movements. The control of the claymore she possessed seemed like it was just a toy that she swayed around effortlessly. I can say that she preferred to be close ranged—she's incredibly fast and had more effective hits.
Seraphina Ashford: sharp and calculated. Her strategy is to think first before striking attack. She uses her fists to block and defend, then finding any vulnerable spots to strike Jolene. Though Jolene was fast, Seraphina was fast enough to catch up with her. I saw the way how she used the end of her heel to kick Jolene in the stomach. Seraphina balances her reaction time and speed time—which creates the perfect moment to strike.
Watching this felt familiar to watching a duel between two warriors. I personally don't think I level up to these two at all. No matter how much praise I receive from them on how they saw me defeat the A-Tier:
I just know that they'll defeat me.
Jolene held her stomach, using her claymore to help her up. She wielded it again with her teeth clenched hardly against each other. The tip of the claymore shined as if it was welcoming itself to Seraphina.
Seraphina's chest rose up and down. She shook her head. She cracked each joint inside of fingers, then went to unsheathed a long, sliver slender sword that let out a soft chang! as the sharp tip pointed straight at Jolene.
"Jolene, you lack strategic thinking, but your strength and agility was improving." Seraphina lowered down her sword. "I suggest that you should work on your thinking skills in battle."
Jolene chuckled. She flicked her nose with her thumb, staring at Seraphina. Her eyes had that sense of determination and triumph that I recognized too dearly.
"Well, sister," she sat up, lifting her claymore.
"You should work on your babbling skills."
Seraphina blinked confusingly at her sister's words. That's when her eyes widened.
Her head looked over her shoulder, noticing a dirt ball mixed with grass and mud spattered against her back. Jolene must've had the same skills as a cheetah! I didn't notice that she managed to slap that on Seraphina's back.
The thing that only made me more surprised was that Seraphina wasn't mad. In fact, she laughed.
"Wow. I guess you're right." Seraphina stared at Jolene. She twisted her sword from left to right in a shape of a mobiüs strip, sheathing the sword in a flick.
"I guess these old bones don't move like they use to." Seraphina joked. "You've passed."
Jolene shot up from the ground. She celebrated herself, cheering and clapping loudly. I guess that this was the first time she ever won against her sister. The way she celebrates. It was the same celebration stance that someone would make when they worked so hard for something then they accomplished it after for so long.
The interaction between them wasn't at all filled with hate or jealousy: it was filled with genuine affection and respect for each other. Heck, they both handled this training very well. They handled it too well that I thought they genuinely had some sort of animosity towards each other.
It made me feel confident in myself.
I jumped up from the floor, running towards them as a huge grin slapped across me face.
"I'm ready!"
I blurted out. I stopped in the front of both of them. I adjusted my hand-gloves and belt.
"I'm ready to train and improve."