Octavia counted her steps, fathoming what it'd have beenlike, handing the image to him.
But why didn't he want to be disturbed?
Was he in a bad mood?
She fixed her gaze on the floor as she
continued walking blearily, and still walking, she bumped into Leo.
"Hey" he chuckled as they both stopped
walking, standing in a face to face direction.
"What's up, cutie? How're you doing?"
"I'm.. I'm fine" Octavia took her eyes to the floor and answered timidly - as usual.
"A lot has been going on around you, huh? How're you catching up?" He asked with a little laughter and Octavia just sighed, having nothing to say to it.
"What's that, by the way?" Leo asked pointing at the rolled paper with her and Octavia held it tight in her hand, like she was trying to protect it with all her life.
"It's... it's nothing" she answered
"Nothing? But it doesn't look like..."
"It shouldn't concern you" her voice was a little husky and Leo, a little surprised. He scoffed at it.
"Anyway, I guess I'Il just leave you to
whatever it is you're doing. But don't forget -
we'll be commencing your training section tomorrow. So, don't be late" he said and Octavia just nodded.
"Bye then".
"Bye" she muttered and watched him leave.
**
**
**
Master Zack sat in the car as they approached their destination.
If there was one thing he hated in his life, was being defeated or gone against.
And he never expected he'd be getting one from someone he considered a friend; someone he considered a brother.
He's never done anything wrong to Khalid, and he just couldn't understand why he would go against him in a situation like that. Why would he spit right into his face.
He could recall all the sacrifices he made for him; all the battles he fought for him even when they weren't his to fight.
He could remember wiping out an entire
clan just because the clan Master had
offended Khalid. They've been through a lot together and he just couldn't believe Khalid would turn his back on him on a particular issue like this.
No; he could never take defeat for an answer. His greatest enemy was betrayal and he was never going to take it lightly from anyone.
Khalid betrayed him by defending the enemy that killed his brother and as a result, he was going to bring him down.
He knew so much about him - his flaws, his fears.... His Weakness.
And he was going to bring him down - definitely.
The car pulled to a stop in front of the bushy area and he opened the door and stepped out.
He didn't come with his guards because he wanted it to be done with a little secrecy.
"Master, should I come along?" His driver asked, but he shook his head and proceeded towards the creaky house in the bush.
The environment was looking so dirty and unkempt, like it hadn't been cleaned up for years.
Getting to the door, he could hardly touch or knock on it because of how dusty it was. Even the metals on it were rusted, looking like no one had lived in them for years. But there was actually someone in.
He knocked and the door went open with a swift force, but Zack didn't flinch.
He took a peep into the house and it to his amazement, the room was actually looking neater than the environment.
He breathed lightly and walked in, taking a look around. It seemed empty.
He didn't need to announce himself as whoever was in should've been alerted of his presence already.
Suddenly, he saw a knife flying towards his direction. It had been coming with so much force and speed, but thankfully, he was smart enough to miss it and landed on the wall right
behind him.
"What're you doing here, stranger?" The husky voice came and he took in a deep breath when he finally saw who he came for.
The young pretty lady standing some feet away from him - in the dark.
A smile touched his lips - Khalid's greatest fear.
"I'm not here for trouble" he said with his hands up in the air.
She was so young, one could think she was less than 25.
Silence descended in the darkness as he
took some steps closer.
"Don't come any closer. Tell me what you want" she said with her hands on her waist, her long dress touching the floor.
Zack stopped walking and looked at her
Then, he said:
"It's about your son... Khalid".
*4 Weeks Later*
"Come on, Octavia. You need to put in more energy. Come on!" Leo said authoratively as Octavia struggled to use the weight lift.
She was breathing so heavily, her muscles feeling so weak.
"You've been so good at this, Octavia - made serious improvements. But for the past few days... I dont understand" Leo grouse and she sighed and dropped the weight lift, giving up.
"I'm sorry, Leo. I told you; I... I just feel a little sick" she answered dizzily, her hand on her forehead.
"But the herbs I'd given to you should've
worked already. What's wrong?"
"Don't worry about me, Leo. I'll be fine".
There was a brief silence.
"You should work on the punch bag. I'II be back in a bit" he said and left and Octavia tiredly dragged her legs to the p
unch bag.
She covered her fists and set to work
immediately, hitting the punch bag effectively.
Well, it's been four weeks now and a lot
has actually changed. She was now a
signed member of the Khalid clan, and over the weeks, her fighting skills had improved drastically.
Leo had been a great teacher and taught her all the basic things she needed to know. Confidently, she could say she was ready to go for war.
But for the past seven days, she couldn't explain how she'd been feeling; unnecessarily sick. She had no idea why it had to come now because it was seriously disrupting her training. She wanted to be more than perfect.
*
*
*
To be continued!