ANNA POV
Maybe I overdid it a bit, but its fun teasing him with all his unexpected reactions. And, yeah, I had to get him back for last night. I know too well that nothing will get to him beside this, since I noticed he is way too conscious of himself around me. Which is weird. Well, I should just stop this track of toughs.
I kept on adding weight and Andrew tolerated it even if our way became more difficult and there were more and more obstacles.
I knew he wasn't normal, but lifting a Ton while climbing a mountain for hours this is no way a work of a normal human, but if he was a meta-human Douglass would have certainly flagged him that if I missed him which never happens.
AT FIVE IN THE MORNING.
'Do you think you can run? I won't add any more weight for the moment! You can take a break at six!' I need to test his limits more even if I'm fully aware he is exhausted right now.
Without hesitation, he answered 'At full speed?'
'Yes!'
Without any other words, he just did as asked.
Even if he realized that I'm pushing him on purpose, he just kept going, hardly able to concentrate with his exhaustion.
He didn't really have a choice but to be fully awake since the trail I chose was so close to the edge of a trench.
At six, I asked him to stop and he did.
The moment I jumped off my seat he kneeled breathing heavily. I moved in front of him and leaned toward him.
'Andrew look at me! (When he did, still breathing heavily) I know your legs are failing you, but don't lose control,
not yet! Now try to straighten yourself, I will release the magnetic field around you slowly if you feel light-headed you can grab at me do you understand?'
Andrew still panting stood and nodded, he was all sweaty and his face is red.
I was right, the first few seconds he stood still but after a while, he almost lost balance and was about to fall when I grabbed his arm.
'Calm down and steady your breath it will be done soon'
It ended after three whole minutes. As for Andrew, he finally got to sit down to regain his strength.
I waited until he was steady to sit opposite him.
DREW POV
It was sunset and finally, I could see the place, since all I could see from the moment, we left the Temple was a few inches in my circle. The light of the moon was there but because of the trees, it was pitch black, and only now, I realized, I could have made a wrong step and we both could have ended at least heavily injured. Well, I sensed it, but knowing how dangerous it was are two different matters, Hell this is the first time in my life I feel this strained. I looked at her; She was bearing the same weight. It doesn't take a genius to guess she could handle more.
She smiled at me 'You did great!'
I smiled back 'It seems you didn't think I would make it!'
'I didn't think anything, but what I didn't see coming is that you did what I told you without hesitation! I know that you felt like you were breaking down but it didn't stop you!' well, for the moment I think if you asked me to jump to hell, I would have done just that. But you don't need to know that do you!
'You said, I should do as you ask me to! Besides, I did hear the wolves in our way' I answered, it was somewhat true in a way.
She smiled widely 'Those are certainly not wolves' She whistled loudly.
In a moment a big wolfy creature came racing to her, it stood right beside her. The creature was huge and he wasn't the only one since more came and stood behind. What the? I have never seen something like this.
While caressing the neck of the big wolf, Yeah, she was that close to him 'If you stopped or slowed down, they would have broken your neck'
I asked alerted 'Why?'
'When I asked you to run, that was the start of their territory. Beside me, no one has the right or the ability to be there'
The wolf was purring while he leaned with his head toward her so she caresses it too, for a while there, I really tough he was talking to her, was he? I swear for a moment she looked at me strangely.
'Are they your pets?'
'Pets? No! They can't be domesticated. They are kind of part of my family! (She apparently noticed the question in my eyes) I was tossed to them when I was a kid (she smiled while playing with the wolf ear) This big guy is three hundred years old, right Seb?'
The Wolf purred while she was petting him
When she patted the wolf on his forehead, he just made a distance between them then turned around leading the pack away.
'Do you talk to them?' I asked really waiting for her answer; Still I didn't expect what was coming.
'You mean like howling?' she said smiling mischievously, I have come to recognize that glint in her eyes when she is up to no good.
I smiled 'funny; but I mean any kind of communication'
She looked at me surprised 'So you noticed! Well kind of, in fact he just told me to bring you to their village the sooner the better!'
I asked surprised 'Why?'
She smiled at me all hint of amusement gone 'Let's say, a nicely wrapped bomb is waiting for you there, how you will take it is up to you'
'So, you are taking me?' well I had to make sure, she said only her was authorized there. And what the heck with a Bomb!
'Yes! So how do you feel?' again she changed the subject, but let's see how much can I push!
'Aren't you afraid I will tell someone about them? And, I feel good'
She smiled 'You are smarter than to make yourself a laughing stock. No one would believe they do exist and hunting them isn't as easy as you might think. So, since you feel good! Do you see the river at the bottom?' Ohoh, so that's how much I can get.
I looked over the edge 'yes!'
'We will go their first! Get the pack and follow me! Lose the chair we won't be needing it!'
While on the edge and before jumping.
'I was wondering...'
She interrupted me 'Hold to it for the moment until we are down, this cliff is full of poisonous snakes so keep focused!'
Anna just jumped without warning. I looked down at her. She was moving, hanging from rock to rock or bush like it was nothing. I had no other choice but to follow. But the moment I started jumping from rock to rock, I realized that the way I felt when I lifted the pack like it was a feather, was not the product of my imagination since my moves became smoother and more agile.
Once down I approached Anna who was on the side of the river washing her face.
Still crouching she looked up at me 'feeling dizzy?'
'No! (I smiled) I'm feeling great actually!'
She was looking at me as if examining me 'Good! You might feel dizzy or lose your balance, don't freak out just sit! Your body will take some time to adjust fully!'
I crouched beside her 'okay!'
'We have two hours to rest! Why don't you take the chance to take a shower? It will do you good!'
I asked surprised, but soon turned to something else! 'Here!' hhh like hell she will say yes. Again, my games are only playing against me.
She smiled 'I won't be looking! don't worry!' Hell, she took the chance to tease me.
'Why do you keep teasing me?'
She smiled widely 'Can't help it! Your reactions are funny! it's like you care about what I think!'
'I do care about what you think!' I stated blatantly
Anna just stood and left me behind
'You will find a change of clothes in the bag!'
She just ignored what I confessed, not like I didn't see it coming, but it kind of stings.
'Where are you going?' I asked her
'Fishing upstream! don't follow me!'
After forty minutes, she returned. I had already finished showering, sorting the things in the bag and yes, I was roasting some fish I catched. A man has to get his mind shut sometimes, since I can't train because I'm exhausted, that's all I could get myself busy with.
Anna approached me and put two strange fish on some leaf that was beside me, 'You fished!' She asked surprised, well she ought to be since she told me she would. But I just had to busy myself.
'Had time on my hands while waiting' I looked at the strange fish 'What are these?' She sat on a rock opposite me.
'Something you will regret eating but you need to!' come again? They already don't look appetizing and she even says I will regret eating them!
'Can I ask why do I have to eat it?'
'It will help you to keep up with me for the next few hours, besides, eating them means you won't have to worry about eating the rest of the day'
'Are we going to train the rest of the day without rest?' Is she training me or planning how to kill me?
'Yes! until midnight! The only rest you can catch is while moving!'
I was stunned, and heat spread through my body while imagining the hell awaiting me. Suddenly I remembered what Garen Told me, which made me smile. The old man was after all looking after me.
I smiled 'Was Garen one of your disciples?'
'No! The last one I took in, was when Garen was a kid' well that's weird.
'Why? I mean, I tough you are active in the Temple!'
'I don't take disciples that often! And as a founder, I have the luxury to refuse to do so'
'What happened to him?' I asked worried if it was a sensible issue to bring up, but she would just not answer or tell me no to speak about it.
'Killed by the Temple!'
I asked surprised 'why?'
'He got greedy! Unlike you, he didn't know a lot about what I can do and was always suspicious. While trying to find out about me, he found things that shouldn't be known outside the Temple, and he tried to trade in them. He was patient enough to wait for years to execute his plan, but not wise enough to drop it and keep his life'
'Is that why you are showing me what you can do? So, I would choose another mentor?' I had to ask.
'I would hope you would do that, since the others won't try to kill you because you are an asset' what the? So, she was trying to get me killed. No that must not be it! why would she go to such extent.
'Isn't this part of the training?'
'It is part of the training I made for you! So yes, I'm trying to kill you in a sort of way!'
'Why?'
'You always have the choice to drop and change mentors, but if you can keep up with me, I can offer you an exit, you might not like it neither am I, so I'm still weighing it!'
I really wanted to ask her what exit she was talking about, but I couldn't, since she was clear that she doesn't like this solution. So, I kept silent while finished roasting the fish on the fire and put the new ones she got.
I gave her one with a stick and sat while holding my own.
'I have a question for you!' she asked unexpectedly.
'You can ask what you want!'
'Your parents really don't know what you did over the years?' and here I tough she was going to ask something funny.
'Why do you keep bringing up my parents?'
'Have you forgotten that they are the only reason you are still here?' well she got a point, and I'm grateful for that.
I sighted 'They don't!'
'Is it worth it?'
'Worth it?' now she got me lost.
'You chasing after me, ruining your life and maybe getting killed on the way, and leaving your parents alone!'
'Some things aren't weighted by their worth!'
'Then why aren't you trying to kill me?' Now this is irritating.
'Are you serious?'
'Yes! This! Where we are now, is your perfect chance! You won't get any better, believe me!'
I really can't believe what I'm hearing, wasn't I clear yesterday? I looked at her eyes stunned. What the.. she is serious! 'This must be some kind of sick joke!'
'It is not! If you really need to do that to move on! This is it! No one will come after you; All you have to say is that I lost my footstep!'
I put my fish aside and went to turn those on the fire 'I'm not playing this game with you!'
'It ain't a game! Besides, if you don't, you might lose your chance and something else might end my life!'
Surprised I turned toward her 'What do you mean?'
'I'm just putting things on the table for you! After all, that's why you are after me!'
This time I sat beside her fixing my eyes on hers 'what do you want exactly?'
'I told you what I want!'
'Me, killing you?'
'You sorting out your priorities and what you want! If you need to kill me then be it. As I said, this is the perfect chance for you'
'You are nuts!'
She smiled; she is fucking smiling at me after what she just said 'I might be! Soon, you need to make up your mind, it's either you concentrate on killing me or give up on that and start over your life!'
'I have already given you my answer you are the one who refuses to answer me!'
'Any answer I give you won't get to you! You passed way too much time hating and chasing me so you need to come to terms with these thoughts first. Once you do, getting an answer won't really matter'
'Did you plan on having this conversation now?'
'Not really! Not until you are on your way home this way, I won't be in front of you while you are thinking, but as I said, if you miss this chance, you might not have another one in the future!'
'Because someone might get to you before me!
'Yes!'
'Are you kidding me? Who might be in his right mind and come to this place?'
She just smiled without answering and started eating her fish.
So, this is her way of ending the discussion while telling me I'm not getting any more answers, again!
Anna was up to her word; the day was nothing less than hell
on earth for me. We kept climbing, training and fighting. Yeah, right, she kept beating the shit out of me then healing me. No food, water or rest but strangely, I didn't feel the need for food or water.
By midnight, I was beat up; exhausted and drained, but I could tell it was all worth it. My combat style, strength, agility, and precision were all enhanced at least five or six times if not more. At last, I got the chance to take a bath in the river, my muscles were sore, so it was most welcome, even if I knew I shouldn't take my time since we have another day from hell tomorrow too.
When I got back to our camping site, I found Anna sitting on one of the big rocks! She apparently also finished her bath since her hair is still dripping!
'You didn't sleep yet?' I started spreading my clothes close to the fire.
'Don't pay attention to me! I will wake you when it's time to move so take a rest!' did she just dismiss me as if I was a kid? Before my anger starts boiling, I noticed that her face was flashed red, I took a towel from the bag, and put it on her hair, then I just sat beside her.
She just moved the towel from her head to her neck 'Thank you!'
It took me a moment of hesitation but I finally put my hand on her forehead 'Don't get angry! (I moved my hand in a haste she was burning like a furnace) Wah you are burning!' How is she even able to sit with this fever?
I re-placed my hand on her forehead and strangely enough, she didn't mind maybe she is not awake enough to do so! So, I just leaned her head until it was on my shoulder.
ANNA POV
I woke up only to find myself sleeping in Andrews arms, while we were tucked in his sleeping bag, I presume. I could feel his head on mine, sleeping comfortably. Was he shirtless? I couldn't tell since I, at least still wearing my clothes, no I wasn't! I was clearly in a one peace clothing, a shirt maybe? I can't even move my head to look down, or move at all. How the heck was I sleeping in the first place? Why do I keep doing that when he is around?
Without alarming him, I tried to sneak away, but I couldn't get away. And instead, he moved positions so now I was on top of him.
Should I just force my way away? Even if it meant hurting him?
The next thing I know, the sun was already up, When I realizes I had fallen again asleep and just woke up, I started moving to free myself, but this time, he awoke, and instead of freeying me, he forced his grip on me.
He smiled half asleep while looking at me 'Can you please stay put for a moment?'
What the? Of course, I didn't, but the moment I moved again I felt it, is that really what I think it is?
I smiled since I knew he was in an embarrassing situation 'need some help?'
He grinned while he moved his hands from my back to my waist then my hips 'What are you offering?' Ohooooh I didn't see this coming, maybe I should give him a lesson.
I just leaned toward his ear smiling 'I kind of play on the pain side'
In an instant, he moved me away, but I could feel that he was excited more, and his face became red.
'Oh no no no, we are kidding but I'm not going there! Yet! It's way too dangerous for my heart!'
That was way too hilarious so I started laughing.
'Just put me down first'
He did, while his frustration was evident. What was cuter is that he was barely awake.
'I will just take a cold shower and come back' he said while on his way. The Hell! Did we just flirt? How did I do that without paying attention? Oh God it appears all my filters break when I'm beside him. Hell, I never did that!
I didn't answer him but before long, he was back sitting beside me while holding my hand.
'Weren't you supposed to go take care of some urgent matter?' I said surprised by his actions! He was pressing both my hands testing their reaction then moving to my legs, and yes, I was wearing a shirt, judging by the size, since it covered me to my knees, it was his.
'This is more important right now'
He looked really concerned so I let him, besides I needed to know what happened.
'So! What happened?'
'You were burning, then, you were freezing, even after I put you in your sleeping bag'
'And how I ended up in your arms?'
He smiled lifting his head to meet my eyes 'sounds nice when you say it like that'
'I'm serious!'
He sighted like all the fun was drained from him 'Do you remember when you told me to go to sleep?'
Did I? 'Not really'
'You were in auto-mode and I didn't pay attention until your teeth were clicking from cold while you were in your sleeping bag. Even so, you kept telling me to go to rest, so I did, just not in my sleeping bag but yours, after a few moments you calmed and your body started gaining some heat (he blushed again) I don't move much when I'm sleeping, so I don't really know how we ended up in the position we woke up in'
Should I tell him? Naaah! More importantly, he is practically saying that not only he is able to make me relax and put me to sleep but my body literally stabilize when I'm beside him.
Judging by what he is, I really should take him to the village to make sure, if he had any psychic ability that he is using on me unconsciously.
He looked at me again 'I think you should rest for a few hours, let's report the training until you are in shape'
He looked genuinely worried about me 'don't worry!' I stood! 'Nothing a good shower wouldn't fix' I was clearly not able to stand straight and move, but I kept moving after I collected some of my clothes and a towel. Andrew didn't try to stop me, instead he stood and headed with me toward the river.
When I finally stopped.
'I will be close! If you need something call me' he said and turned away.
It looks like I'm used to push my body on overdrive, to the point I don't realize when I do that anymore. And this is one of those moments, since Andrew was right, I barely made it out of the water, and the moment I stepped in front of the rock where I will wear my clothes, the whole place turned into a big hole. Well unfortunately, my powers just got out of control. I looked at my wrist in hope that my communicator is still here, but nothing. Now I have just two choices, either I go naked or I reveal my ability to mind link. I chose the last!
'Andrew please, if you are done! Can you bring me a towel and some clothes?'
He answered surprised 'Anna! Are you okay?' am I okay? He didn't even question the fact that he is mind talking to me!
'Yes! Just a small incident'
After a few seconds, 'Are you in the same place?'
'Yes! Umm, I'm not wearing anything so..'
He interrupted me 'there was a rock shaped like an egg stand behind it'
I did, and in no time, he was here. He just called me out, when I peeked from behind the rock, he was giving me his back, he was still dripping water and only wearing his pants. He extended his hand while giving me the towel so I took it and wrapped it around my body.
'Are you done?'
'Yes!' he turned toward me with my clothes in his hand, his eyes were all over my body examining me, then he noticed the hole, but he didn't say anything, instead his eyes were full of worry.
'Are you really okay?'
'Yes!'
DREW POV
How the hell is she able to say that she is okay while she is clearly not. This is just driving me crazy. I'm sure she will insist on resuming the training instead of her going for a checkup. Which is maddening.
She took her clothes and went behind the rock while I sat in my place at full alert in case something happens to her. Little did I know that she would come back like nothing happened to her.
We continued climbing. It was another day of pure hell for me, but strangely my body felt light and wasn't sore from the training of yesterday. So, I eventually could cope another time with her hellish training and get another good beating. But, something strange happened. I could heal faster with her help compared to yesterday, which she noticed too but didn't say anything. I'm still wondering if her helping me heal jeopardizes her health, but I have no way to verify this. Since I tried to stop her but she didn't answer to me saying it was necessary to continue my training, since apparently, we don't have much time left. Why the rush? I don't know. It was until midnight that I understood.
At midnight, we stopped finally. I went to take a bath like the other night only this time when I returned, I didn't see Anna.
I assumed she was still taking her bath, but when I was putting my clothes beside the fire, I noticed her leg on the other side. It just felt wrong, so wrong that I jumped afraid that she lost consciousness again and hurt herself.
She was pale unmoving and breathless, a corps without pulse
I tried like crazy to revive her even if I knew it might be too late, to no vein.
I had no way to communicate with anyone for help since the communicator was out of range, she was right this was a perfect place to kill her without consequences.
How am I supposed to get help in this deserted place?
Without thinking or wasting time, I was already running in the middle of the night through the mountain descending, while she was on my back. The only thing that kept her in place was my jacket and hands.