“Well, I’m definitely going to miss seeing your face around here.” The General says. Christian and I, are done with our training and I am ready to fall back on my bed.
**************A MONTH BACK**************
“You had better have a punch that would impress me witch or you are out of my camp. And also, try not to burn my dummy this time around.” The general gave me a stare that says *I am dead serious* He stood besides me and watched me closely. So close… that I could feel his breathe on my arms.
I breathe out, took my stance…. I imagined the face of *Terror* packed up a punch and then strike. I stood triumphantly when I saw the dummy’s head rolling on the floor.
“You…. did that… without your power right?” The General stutters staring at the headless dummy in awe.
“If I had used my air power to knock it off forcefully, then the head of the dummy would be way over there.” I pointed far off.
“And don’t you think you would have noticed. Plus I don’t like cheating.” I added my face blank. I won the punch fair and square.
“You can go ahead and join the men over there having their morning run.” I looked at where he was staring at, and saw a group of men running, Christian inclusive.
I nod my head, salute and ran off. The General might not admit it, but I think I just won his respect and maybe a bit of his admiration.
I joined the group of men, most of them huffed, few gave me a blank stare and some made sure I noticed their displeasure. I guess because they all know that I’m a witch, and that’s the reason why they are not voicing out their displeasure and disgust. I will show you all that just because I’m a woman, it doesn’t mean I’m a weakling.
The camp is a really big one, i don’t know how many more times the soldiers intend to keep running but we have ran around the camp three times now. I don’t think I can keep up with them. I feel my airways are closing in on me, my legs wants nothing else but to give up.
In a really loud thud I fell to the ground. All the men laughs at me mockingly as they ran passed by. I paid no attention to them instead I laid right there on the ground like a dead person.
“Get up.” I heard Christian’s voice. I removed my hands from my face, opening my eyes at the same time.
There he was standing over me, looking so handsome and tasty. He looks like a yummy delicious snacks.
“Get up.” He repeated stretching forth his hands.
“Please leave me to die here.” I groaned shutting my eyes close back again.
“I would, but you have a destiny to fulfill and so I can’t let you die.” He replied calmly. Ugh, at moment like this, I wish I was just a normal human being. But yet again being a normal girl and living a normal life can be so boring.
I rolled my eyes inwardly, opening my eyes back again…. I placed my hands on his palm and he helped me get up on my feet.
“I’m going to be your jogging partner. And just because is called a morning run, doesn’t really mean you have to run so fast. Try jogging this time around and slowly, so you won’t be so out of breathe immediately.” I nod at what he was saying.., I was only able to nod because I was deeply entranced by his morning handsomeness.
Christian joined the men in jogging once they got to where we were, and I joined immediately… jogging besides Christian.
****************************************************************************************
“Common General, you can’t really ask me to beat up a woman. I could injure her.” My sparing partner who I can’t wait to beat up says in mockery.
This will be my very first time sparing, and yeah… everyone except Christian is looking down on me. Ohh, I am so about to change that. According to the general this would be my one ticket to earn my place amongst the men and also earn their admiration. Yes the general and I have become really close friends.
I stared at him calculative and waited for him to make his move. His nostrils flared, his eyes becomes darker. Yes, throw out all your pent up anger on me…. I smirked happily.
He charged at me with full force, I’m guessing his plan is to knock me out all at once, but I will make sure he regrets thinking he could do that to me.
As he was getting closer, I stepped out of the way not before making sure my feet was on his way. Because he was way too focused on me, when I stepped out of his way… he’s brain had a hard time pulling his brakes, which also made it hard for him to evade my foots. In no time he came crashing down to the ground in a loud thud.
“Your first mistake was to think that I am a weak woman. Now look at how the mighty has fallen. I guess sometimes is not all about who is the stronger huh?.” I taunt walking around him in a daunting way. My voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, and soon they all started to clap in awe.
For the past one week, Christian and i had been practicing, he has been my sparing partner at night. Christian taught me all there is for me to know about fighting. Arkalis has giving him a book on martial arts. I’m jealous Arkalis gave the book to Christian, but nevertheless I’m grateful Christian shared it with me.
The book helped me in understanding techniques I couldn’t understand when the martial arts teacher is teaching us. The book also contains boxing, judo and more.
****************************************************************************************
“I still can’t believe you brought him falling down with just one move. Respect sis.” A young man with a skin cut said hitting his chest, as a sign of respect. I chuckled happily.
We were all seated around a big dining table having dinner. This is my first time eating with the men.
At first when I tried eating with them, they had all stood up… all at once and left me alone at the dining table. But this time around I was led to the table by a guy who I have never spoken to before. I can now say that I am very popular.
“I wasn’t expecting her to win at all, she now holds the records of ending a fight within seconds. She is a legend.” Another guy said, and I couldn’t stop myself from grinning from one ear to another ear.
Someone bangs on the table really hard… I turned around to see who it was and is no other person but the guy I defeated.
“So this is it, you are all going to be singing her praises. It’s obvious she bewitched me into loosing that fight.” He growled standing up, pointing a finger at me angrily.
The whole table became really silent, Ohh common, don’t tell me they are all actually putting what he said into consideration.
I burst out into laughter, laughing so loud like a mad woman. “You think this is funny witch?” He questioned in anger, he is a ticking bomb ready to blow at any minute. Someone like him shouldn’t be a soldier.
I stood up and returned his glare…. “Yes, you make me laugh. Just because you are angry and ashamed by the fact a mere weak woman like me won you fair and square, doesn’t mean you should start acting like a weak woman also, and start concocting all kinds of lies. A true man would accept his defeat, then he trains harder and makes sure he never gets defeated ever again. If I had used my powers it would have being clear to seen, not just by everyone but also the general. I guess you are calling everyone on this table including the general blind, right?” I smirked at him, seeing he was obviously sweating in fear.
“What! No… I’m not…” He stuttered looking around the table for support, but everyone was already to busy nodding to my words.
“But is okay. As the winner here, I would do you good by pointing out your mistake.” I gloat spreading my hands wide…. “Your proud and cocky self is your number one destruction, just because I was a woman you felt relaxed and thought you would beat me in just one go.” I paused making sure my words were getting into his head and also to breathe.
I continued…. “And because you where thinking this is a close deal, you didn’t see my leg and failed to evade it, cause it was already too late. You had two chance to not end the match so quickly, the minute I moved out of the way you should have stopped and when I put my leg in front of you… you should have tried to avoid it.” As i talked everyone nods in agreement.
I fished off my speech/lesson with… “And this is why you failed, so you can stop acting like a cry baby now and suck up your defeat.”
I sat down back and faced my food, then kept on eating. Now I have lost my appetite. I don’t get why a person can’t just accept his defeat without any hitch.
“Wow.” One of the men said clapping his hands, and the rest joined him. The guy I won sat down back and continued eating his food in total embarrassment.
I said goodnight to the men and head for the river, where I knew Christian would be. Because the men wouldn’t allow me eat at the dinning table, I started eating by the river side and Christian joined me, just so he could keep me company.
“Why are you here all alone? Why didn’t you join us at the table?” I questioned sitting besides him.
“Just didn’t want to take your shine.” He responded throwing stones into the river, he looked sad. I didn’t know if I should ask for the reason behind his sadness, or maybe mind my business.
I decided to go with the latter, “I wouldn’t mind sharing that shine with you, you’re the reason I had the shine in the first place.” I said in uttermost appreciation.
I’m glad Christian and I have become really close friends back again, he has finally put the kiss behind him. Maybe after seeing he didn’t like me one bit.
“Nah, that was all on you. I will definitely agree that I am a good teacher but I also had a teachable student.” He grinned, and I chuckled.
“Well, all the same, thanks.” I rested my head on his shoulder, staring into the river.
“I’m always glad to be of help.” He whispered.
********************************************
BACK TO THE PRESENT
********************************************
“So you won’t consider becoming a soldier?” The general asked, what can I say I have become one of his best fighters.
“I did love it here, general.. but Nah, I had rather do magic than be a soldier.” I replied smiling.
“And you Christian? Any last minute change of mind?” General asked, his eyes focused on Christian.
“None sir.” Christian answered without any hesitation.
“Okay then. The both of you are free to go. Send my regards to Arkalis.” The general said in dismissal.
Christian and I saluted then walked out of his tenth. As we walked out of the camp, *Goodbyes and hugs* kept pouring in from different angles.
****************************************************************************************
“Anastasia!!” Freya yelled in delight rushing into my arms. Aria joined in on the hug, I couldn’t help but return the hug, caused I really missed them.
“I missed you so much. Never be so far away from me ever again.” Freya grunted hugging me really tight.
“I agree to do that.” Aria said also tightening her hands around me.
I laughed so happily, happy to be back and be missed. “I also missed you guys so much.” I mumbled into the hug.
“I’m glad you did.” Aria replied while freya pated me on my head lovingly.
“Enough with the emotional display. Christian, Anastasia, go keep your bags in your room. Anastasia I would be waiting for you at the room where we do take our portions and spells lessons.” Arkalis said ending the hug between me and the girls.
“Yes master.” I yelled happily. I missed calling him master. Weird right?
Christian and I walked into the house, and I head for my room. I throw my bags on my bed then exit the room and head to where Arkalis said he would be waiting for me.
“Arkalis.” I called walking into the store-room.
“Seat.” He said taking something out from a drawer.
I sat down on a stool and waited. He turns around carrying a long red box on his hand. “This is a gift for you.” He hands over the box to me.
I stared at him a little bit confused, curious and also excited.
I took the box from him, and opened it without hesitation. The box contains a wand…. A really beautiful hand made wand.
“For me?” I let out almost crying.
“Yes, take it. I can finally recognize you as a full witch, and every witch needs a wand.” He smiled at me lovingly, and I returned his smile taking the wand from the box.
“I don’t even know how to use it.” I laughed out shakily, tears rolling down my eyelids.
“Don’t worry about that. You will definitely get the hang of it. You just have to find your own unique magic word. Just remember, the wand doesn’t make a witch, A witch makes her wand.” He pats me on the shoulder.
Everything about this scene, feels a little bit off.
“Why are you giving this to me?” I questioned.
“Cause it’s time for you to go back to the future and face your destiny.”