Snippet #2143699

I wasn’t sure when I had fallen asleep. It was kind of embarrassing, considering I’d intended to stay awake until Keilani was up and about. Instead, I found myself waking to her quiet gasp, my eyes lazily opening to look at her as she winced, falling back into the bed. She said something, but it wasn’t really audible to me, and so I found myself sitting up, intending to grab her attention, and maybe see if she needed any more help. It seemed she’d felt my presence, turning to face me as her expression changed into… Well, I’d be inclined to say it was tears of joy. Maybe relief. It was… Refreshing for me. I hadn’t seen someone feel that way about me in a long time. Struck by the moment, I delayed my thanks perhaps too long as Keilani spoke, wanting to ask me a question I briefly nodded, before she inquired into Blanche’s safety, drawing a weak smile from me. It said a lot about someone’s character when their concern went to others before themselves.

“Blanche was pretty injured, but Claire seemed to think she’d be fine with some rest.” It was a little truth stretch, but I couldn’t imagine Claire would neglect to inform me if Blanche was in critical condition. Seeing Keilani’s soft eyes, I couldn’t help but feel the need to ease her worry, speaking once more. “Considering the beating she’d taken, I’d like to think that you probably saved her.” Pausing as I thought on it a bit, it seemed now was the perfect segue into thanking Keilani for what she did. Both for me and Blanche. So I just had to say it. Those two words. Just… Be polite. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I mean… Stalling like this is pretty stupid. It’s not like I’ve gotta be ashamed… Come on Ash, just do it!

“So uh… Well.. T-Thanks… For saving Blanche I mean.” Turning away sharply, I leant my hand in my face, hiding the slight tinge to my cheeks as I forced out the next set of words, mumbling them almost inaudibly. “And for saving me…” Annoyed at my own sheepishness, I hopped off the bed, grabbing my jacket and pulling it on as I continued to run my mouth. “So like, everything you saw and happened in there, you better not go telling anyone. Got it?” In my attempts to sound tough, it occurred to me I was probably making the whole thing sound less convincing. Shaking my head, I turned to face Keilani again giving a bit of a deep sigh.

“Look I’m just… Not good at this sort of thing, okay? So just… Keep it to yourself alright?” I’m gonna get the nurse, see if she can help you and maybe take you to see Blanche…” Trailing off, I turned away again, attempting to ignore Keilani’s expression as I set about finding one of the medical staff.

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After the trial, I got told numerous things. Deon had been taken to the WDL, in exchange for Keilani and my freedom. It was a bittersweet victory, and probably the worst part of it was I felt a little indebted to the asshole. Still, it was nice of Claire to come and inform Keilani and myself while the others were off at a bar or something. Apparently, we were to undergo training of our abilities so we could better work at fighting against the evil demons of the world, and that we needed teachers for it – Keilani was to be working with Rin, while myself, Kane and Sebastian were to learn from my sister. It wasn’t something I was entirely comfortable with, but the next day, I found myself heading off to the meeting area to receive the start of my training…

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“Kane, your swordsmanship is excellent, but you lack balance and refinement in what you do, therefore…” With a wave of her hand, Kane was forced to watch as a glass of water floated over, being telekinetically hold on top of his head by Claire. “You’ll have to balance this for the entirety of today. Should it break, I’ll provide you with a new one.”

“W-what? There’s no way I can keep this-“ Kane stopped as the glass fell forward, drenching him a little. Claire giggled a little, before refilling the glass and returning it to his head. “You’ll have to learn fast then. Now, be a dear and head down to my room and grab my bag, ‘kay? Each time it spills, you’ll have to come back here for a refill and start over.” Claire giggled as the glass tipped once more, forcing Kane to sit and stand multiple times until he finally managed to get up without losing the glass. Slowly, very very slowly, he started making his way out of the room. With the first of the assignments set, Claire next turned her attention to Sebastian.

“Now as for you young man, I think it’s time you started to get a handle on those powers of yours. So, we’re going to start simple.” Sitting up, Claire gestured to a nearby wood fire and an ice cube, a sizable distance between them. “I want you to control the heat, and attempt to melt that ice, before Kane gets back with my bag.” Stretching a little, Claire smiled to Sebastian. “If you can do that, you’ll earn a reward. I’ll make sure it’s something really special if you don’t need my help either.”

Standing, Claire next made her way over to Ash, looking her in the eye. “As for you Sis… Come with me.”