MATTHEW'S POV
Ashley's question was not out of the ordinary, but it was her gaze that took me by surprise. Usually, her eyes would scan around the area, observing every little detail - keen and sharp as a blade. Now, as she asked, her eyes seemed to soften and held a bit of concern in them like she was worried that something so bad might had happened yesterday - not only did I get hurt, but it also affected Samuel too.
I didn't stare into her eyes for long. I didn't have the pride to. If I said the truth, would she judge me? Would she finally conclude that I was a burden and a worthless elite? A disgrace? Useless?
I sighed, clearly stressed out. 'If I'm gonna make the others worried, might as well tell. I'm already pitied by them, I don't want to add any more problems and just come out with it.'
So, I turned to Ashley once again. I explained what had happened yesterday, and how I got myself hurt.
Ashley's expression didn't change instantly like I expected. She was still processing everything I told her. Then, once the information reached her brain, her eyes widened. She spoke through gritted teeth. "So that's why he's like that..."
I nodded. "Yeah, I never realized how serious the captain position is. And I just ran off like that, disobeying him."
I raked my hair back using my hand. "I'm so immature."
Ashley clicked her tongue and frowned. "You are, Martinez. No one's appointed a captain just for the title. There's a reason why Samuel's one. Aside from his dorkiness which showed at times, he's quite suitable for the job." The girl kept going, making me feel even more awful. "Samuel knew about your lateness in summoning a soul protector. As a captain, he has to assure that everyone's safe and capable to summon their soul protectors. In your case, Martinez, you're not used to the underworld yet. You think you are, but you're not."
I huffed. "How would you know?"
Ashley spoke through bared teeth. "The creatures you're facing are not yet halfway dangerous to what will happen every new moon. Your bond with your soul protector is also still so weak. That will be your downfall if you don't keep bonding with it."
'Great, I just love knowing my weakness.'
I had so many questions though. I asked the most important first. "What will happen in a new moon? All I know is that ventifios will be the strongest in that time."
Ashley was silent. Her face told me she was debating on putting me on hold and let me get better first or if I learn the information it would benefit me.
Ashley began slowly. "Ventifios... have powers. One of it is calling for stronger reinforcements, which comes naturally for them. The other is by scaring you so bad, it will render you frozen.
Ashley saw the baffled look on my face and her eye twitched. "Their looks could be deadly, Martinez. Not only will the ventifios have the upper hand once you fall for their hypnotizing stare, you will feel powerless and unable to think properly."
There was a pang of panic and fear in my chest. Facing a ventifio was already hard enough in the first quarter phase of the moon. The thought of those menacing creatures being stronger than me and having such power sent chills down my spine.
I needed to get stronger fast. Ashley was right - I still didn't know the full dangers of fighting those creatures. I managed to survive my first night there because of Samuel. Now, that I had fought alone, I got a nasty wound. What would happen to me if I needed to get used to being alone on a new moon? Maybe I would stay in the underworld as a ghost.
I looked at Ashley and hesitantly asked. "Can you perhaps give me tips for bonding with a soul protector? As you know, those entities are unknown to normal people. I just happen to be a weak, rookie elite and -" I heard Ashley murmur. "Despite having a gold level soul protector?"
I ignored that. "- The sound of having a soul protector sounds absurd, to begin with, so this is not my expertise." I reasoned out. Ashley rolled her eyes at my excuse and crossed her arms. "I can't explain this to you clearly, but... You need to treat your soul protector as your friend. The closest one, for that matter."
I was still confused. "How?"
"Well, there's telling your problems to it, constantly talking about things, complimenting it, confiding in it, and more." Ashley shrugged. "You'll just know if it's working once you'll notice the drastic change in the abilities of your soul protector. Take a look at mine, for example-" Ashley paused when realization dawned on her. "Oh, you still haven't seen what Carrie can do."
"Carrie is the name for your soul protector?" Ashley nodded in affirmation.
"When I was still getting used to elite things, I was actually having a hard time bonding with my soul protector." Ashley confessed with a ghost of a smile. "I wanted Carrie to obey every command I make, but as the bond was still weak, my soul protector didn't even heed to my orders. As time flew by, I started getting along with it, to the point where I would just strike up a random conversation. And that's how I got stronger with the help of Carrie."
I didn't notice I was so focused on Ashley's story. My mouth was hanging open. I never imagined that bonding with an entity could be so easy. But then again, you could bond with someone just by opening a door for them.
I gave Ashley a grateful grin. "Thanks for the tips, Ashley. I'll make sure to follow it."
Ashley scoffed and took the tray with empty plates and bowls from me. "You better. I didn't say all of that for nothing. I expect to see an outcome." She leaned forward again. "I want to know though..." I gulped at her sudden change of tone. "What prompted you to run away from Samuel?"
I recalled my words last night, about how I didn't want to receive special treatment and how I wanted to be independent. I didn't know why I reacted like that. It was as if someone was controlling my body. And I couldn't do anything to stop.
It was ironic. I didn't want anyone to think I was a burden but me laying down on my red right now proved otherwise.
I was debating on whether or not I should tell Ashley. Judging me based on my action was one thing. Judging me because of my careless words was another. I looked Ashley straight into her eyes until I decided she would kill me if she found out the truth sooner or later. I would just come clean and save myself the trouble.
"I... May or may not told Samuel off." I sunk deeper into the warmth of the blanket in shame and embarrassment. Ashley gave me a questioning look. "Explain."
And so, I told her what I said to Samuel. It wasn't everything, but my point got across. Ashley's expression softened a bit. "Martinez, rejecting help from someone is also as good as an insult." Then, she said in a firm voice. "You can't just run off like that. What if something worse happened to you? What will you do if Samuel wasn't there in time to save you?"
I didn't like the sound of that. I didn't bother to think about the possibilities that could've unfold when Samuel didn't found me. It was scary and too much for me to handle.
I hugged a pillow tightly. "I don't know." I whispered. Ashley massaged her temples. "Don't ever do that again, Martinez. Samuel means well - you know he does. He would never look down on anyone." Ashley's voice suddenly dropped. "He would never."
"I know. And I regret it. I think an apology isn't enough for my actions."
Ashley sighed. "Glad to know you're taking responsibility for your actions." I smiled sadly at that. It was the least I could do.
The blue-eyed girl took the tray with empty plates and a bowl from me. She stood up and was about to walk out the door when she stopped.
Ashley put the tray on the small table and spoke. "Are you gonna stay in your room all day?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "I was actually planning to go to the living room later, but..." My eyes flitted to my ankle. "I guess walking's not an option right now."
Ashley grabbed my phone from the table. I watched her as she scrolled through the mobile device and typed something in it. She then placed it down again.
"What did you do?"
"I figured you wouldn't want to face Samuel right now. So, I put my number on your phone. Just message me and I'll help you."
I beamed at her, happy that she was so considerate. "Thanks, Ashley. And you're right," I let out a sigh in contrast to my expression a second ago. "I don't want to burden Samuel even more. He's still probably mad."
Ashley picked up the tray. When she opened the door, she suddenly said. "Yes, he's mad. But..." I saw her bite her lower lip. "... Not at you."
My door closed before I had the chance to speak up.
Ashley's comment left several unanswered questions. What did she mean by that? Is Samuel really mad at me? Wait, no, she said he's mad, but not at me. If not, then who?
I was puzzled. I didn't think there was anyone for Samuel to be mad at except me.
'Is there another person?'
No one came to mind. I felt a headache settling in. I groaned and buried my head on my pillow. I got a still throbbing ankle resting on a pillow and now my head's adding up to the pain. I knew I just woke up, but I wanted to sleep again.
My eyes were beginning to droop. Until another knock erupted from the other side of my door. I tilted my head. I had another visitor?
"Come in."
My door opened slowly. Samantha appeared shyly in my room. Immediately, I lit up at the sight of her. "Samantha? What are you doing here?"
She fidgeted to where she stood. I knew what she meant. I gestured for her to come closer and sit on the chair. Without missing a beat, she power-walked towards me and sat on the chair.
Reply to my question, she stammered. "I j-just wanted to c-check up on you."
I smiled at that. Samantha really was a good person - like her brother. "I'm fine, Samantha. Everyone has to at least have one or two injuries in their lifetime, right?"
Samantha glanced away. "You may b-be right. But it d-doesn't mean that no one s-should worry about you."
I chuckled. "You're right. Sorry for making you worry."
Silence hung in the air as Samantha tried to find words. "I-Is your ankle d-doing okay?"
I moved my left foot to the side. Pain shot through my leg. I winced, which Samantha caught the sound of. "Yeah... It's great."
The girl shook her head and bowed. "How did i-it happen?"
I didn't want to repeat the whole conversation I just had with Ashley, so I just simply said. "Ask Ashley."
Samantha blinked and raised both of her eyebrows. "Ashley was h-here?"
I nodded.
That marked the end of our conversation. The two of us went quiet, not knowing what to say next. But then, I had a topic popped in my mind.
Since she was Samuel's sibling, I figured she would know what he was currently feeling. "Hey, Samantha..." I trailed off, not knowing how to word it properly. "... How's Samuel?"
Samantha didn't answer. She looked around my room. I noticed how she was gripping her white floral shorts - she was uncomfortable. My guilt rose. She probably thought I should have nothing to do with him, as I did neglect his orders.
I was about to wave it off but she suddenly spoke. "He's... Okay."
I sensed some hesitation in her voice. It made me want to question it further. But with her being uncomfortable, I decided to be understanding. After all, Samuel seemed mad yesterday.
Now, as I thought of it, Ashley said Samuel was mad, but not at me. I wanted to ask Samantha about that, though would she have an answer for it?
"I j-just came to check o-on you," Samantha said. "I should g-go back to my room now. I still h-have to video chat w-with my mom."
The blonde-haired girl stood up and waved timidly. "If you n-need help, you can just c-call me-" She paused. "You d-don't have my n-number, right?"
I blushed a deep crimson. With Ashley, I felt only mere friendship when she added her number on my phone. When it came to Samantha, I felt shyness and the same warm feeling in my stomach. My heart fluttered at the realization, and I suddenly forgot how to speak.
Samantha also processed the meaning of her words and started to blush profusely. "I-I mean...! I just r-realize and s-since I want to help you, I f-figured I'll just be the one t-to come here and help you up." She lowered her gaze to the floor, suddenly taking an interest in the ceramic tiles.
I copied her actions, looking down at my hands. It was just her number, Why do I feel like this.
I showed Samantha a bashful smile. "Ashley thought the same and gave me her number."
Samantha stared at my phone. Her face fell in dismay. "O-Oh, she already did?"
The girl turned around. "W-Well, I guess Ashley will t-take care of you."
She began to walk away, but I stopped her. My mouth acted on its own again. "Wait!"
She stopped in her tracks and whirled her head to the side. She hummed, indicating for me to continue.
I didn't know why I suddenly yelled out like that. Was it because... I wanted her number?
I scratched my head, not knowing how to say the words without making it awkward or sounding wrong. "If you don't mind... I..." I bit my lower lip in embarrassment. I never asked a girl for her number before. It was different with Ashley since she just entered my phone without my permission.
Samantha turned around fully, tilting her head in confusion.
'Dang, why can't my mouth act on its own right now? Talk about inconvenient.'
I forced myself to say something. "You don't have to if you don't want but..." I looked away, my face getting hotter. "Can you give me your number?"
There, I said it. I really said it. When I heard no reply from Samantha, my embarrassment went off the charts. I slowly turned my head to face the girl. I was surprised when I found her smiling, her eyes shimmered with joy.
Samantha nodded happily. "S-Sure."
She grabbed my phone and typed away. I kept staring at her while she did so. She was grinning widely like she couldn't contain it. A blush was spread across her cheeks, making her even more adorable.
Unconsciously, I started smiling too. It was contagious.
"T-There! You can c-call me if you n-need something."
"Thanks, Samantha."
The girl waved as she walked out the door. I diverted my attention to my phone.
'I guess getting hurt is one way to get phone numbers.'