R O S A N N A' S P. O. V:
A nightly escapade with Kairos was never in my list of things to do, nor in my craziest fantasy, but reality seems to like shocking me. In both good and bad ways.
But was this the good way? No. It wasn't. Though the Lake of Madonia was picturesque, golden leaves and purple glittering grasses, colorful fireflies buzzing about with vibrance and a softly glowing blue lake at it's center, none of that could make me happy during Kairos' dreadful training.
"Again! Up! Get on your feet, tressia!"
I was this close to cussing Kairos in an unknown language. This was our thirty something attempt to learn the first move of the combat technique. We were having hand-to-hand self defense training and I was on the losing end of our battle, repeatedly.
Groaning softly, I lifted my face from the ground and pushed my aching joints up, rising slowly to my feet and heaving.
"I-" I swallowed in a deep breath. "I can't do this, this is too much, Kairos!"
The gold eyed man scoffed at my words, swiping his hair to the back with an annoyed expression. This wasn't the first time Kairos was irritated at my 'weak-as-a-foetus' physique. Not even a baby, he said. But I'm darned sure that baby must be a lil baby dragon.
In a flash, Kairos was closer, already set in stance. Like a predator, his entire posture oozed of danger and his eyes intently locked on mine had goosebumps rising on my body.
"Seriously, dude?!" Instinctively, my body was positioned in a counterattack to his incoming assault. Hands raised in the air, feet spread apart and my lower body tensed.
"For the love of all things good, tressia. The least you can do is keep trying, not add quiting to your long list of weaknesses."
"Fine." I huffed, channeling whatever power I had in me to dodge his next attack. Though I knew too well that was unlikely.
And soon, in a matter of seconds, with me trying to block Kairos' swift moves futilely, I found myself thrown over his shoulder and slamming a few feet away into the dirt.
I stared up at the sky and wondered if this was 'training' as Kairos would put it. But I knew this was torture. But dude thinks he's already suppressed his level to the limit, and I should handle this much. Baka! Baka! BAKA!!!
"Stabbing me in your head will remain a fantasy for a million years with how weak you are. Shouldn't your wrath motivate you?"
The Baka handed me a bottle of glowing purple liquid, but I stared with dead eyes. Did bro think I have the energy to lift a finger? Nah, he's overestimating me. Plus, what the heck is that?
Sighing, Kairos knelt by my side, unscrewed the cap from the bottle and raised my head up with ease, forcefully tilting the liquid into my mouth.
'Hey! Hey! Hey! Don't go around forcing some unidentified liquid into my mouth!'
It was tasteless and odourless like water, refreshing and chill even, but I'm sure the liquid is purple. That's super abnormal. I gulped whatever that was hastily as Kairos aimed to shove it down my windpipe, until I pulled away choking.
I coughed for a bit and rolled to my sides, ignoring Kairos who ignored me without a sorry.
I heard him stand up, the twigs crunching underneath his feet and his shadow was casted over me, looking prominent under the bright moon light.
"Elixar growth formula six. The liquid I gave you, reduces the body's total necessity for sleep and also accelerates healthy body development. It will make it easier for fast training of muscle memory. And, consider this your gift for every training session." He paused for a subtle moment. "Let's continue. I'm sure you must've regained strength."
Yes, I did regain strength. The soreness in my muscles disappeared in a flash, the cuts and bleeding on my palm, and some other areas due to my earlier crash into the trees and uneven ground, disappeared and healed totally.
I felt like I was pumped with chicken blood*. Even my mental weariness seems to have reduced by a significant portion.
I stood up with more vigor than before, excited for more one-sided duels.
Kairos watched me with amusement. Sensing the anticipation in me eyes and seeing me get into a fighting stance.
"Oh? Don't tell me you're excited, now?"
I smiled with a competitive glint in my eyes. "Maybe. I'm just a bit too eager to kick your butt after centuries of oppression."
"You exaggerate." He smiled. A beautiful one, might I add.
And in the next second, we were exchanging blows. And I lasted some more seconds than before, but of course, the end result was I twirled in the air like a ragdoll and fell into the embrace of the ground.
"Repeat."
He commanded, voice as cold as ice. And I obeyed. These new rounds were a bit more better, seeing as I was familiar with his attacks and my body was experiencing a subtle yet significant growth in speed, agility, stamina and strength.
We practiced till the breaking of dawn. I long forgot the passage of time due to my determination to hit the white haired man, and each time it seems I'm closer so I keep fighting for my useless pride. Kairos kept supplying me that Elixar from his spatial ring, and I was like a perfect never-resting workman. But did I win at the end? No. Land a hit? No.
Rather, I became masochistic.
Get beaten up, thrown away with different techniques, heal and repeat. But why was I loving this?
It was fun, honestly. The action I've always imagined turned to reality and I was becoming less of a noob than before. I did actually gain skills. It was obvious with how much minutes I began to last in a battle with Kairos. And these acquired skills made me feel better, made me strive harder, and made my survival rate increase. Nothing was as motivating as training with clear improvements.
I was huffing and taking a sip from the Elixar, when Kairos said.
"We'll return to the mansion so you can rest and prepare for class. You exceeded my expectations, Graymond. On days I'm less busy, it seems our one hour session can go for a quite longer period."
"Agreed." I nodded. "And thank you, Kairos." I said with gratitude.
"Sure." He started unzipping his uniform and question marks rose in my head.
'Did this dude have a thing for undressing in my presence?'
Noticing my quirked brow, he responded. Watching as my eyes flitted to his open skin then up to his eyes. The man was innately pleased with my wandering eyes.
"You should know the special effects of the Lake of Madonia, right?" He said.
"Ah, yes." I remember. I tore my eyes from Kairos' direction and recounted what I knew about the Lake of Madonia apart from it's famed beauty.
'Madonia... The infamous physician of Oz. Died in a lake and the whole water and surrounding land became a legacy. Water of purification... Land of healing.'
The Lake of Madonia has beneficial attributes to those who enters. So it's understandable if Kairos takes the opportunity now.
"Hey, Kairos!" I shouted out, staring up at the rising sun. It was a beautiful image to behold.
"Yes?" I heard the shuffling of clothes and soon after, the splashing of water.
"What happened to Madonia? Why'd she die in a lake? And couldn't the healer heal herself?" It was a mystery I've always wanted to know from the book.
Kairos replied after some pause, which almost had me believing he didn't know.
"Madonia's lovers discovered her blood had strong healing properties, and one of them happened to be suffering from a hidden incurable disease. So he killed her, drank her blood and got healed before dying by the hands of Madonia's second lover; Annalise."
"Wow. That's... Interesting."
Wait-
"What are the chances that Annalise is your-"
"Sister? Yes she is." Kairos affirmed.
Oh mama, what a story.
"How's... Annalise?" Was that the right thing to say? And, this... This just became awkward.
"Grounded by my parents but recently became attracted to the enemy Kingdom's prince. Living the life of her dreams."
I could tell sarcasm was in Kairos' tone.
"Huh." I muttered.
More splash of water sounded before I heard him call out.
"You can come join me if you'd like. The Lake is extremely beneficial for your physique."
"Um..." I hesitated how to answer.
Firstly, I couldn't swim and had some aversion towards large bodies of water. How I ignored the creepy beautiful lake was by Kairos' presence and my focus in our lessons. But alone, here? I'd break out in goosebumps.
And secondly, I had nothing to wear.
But all of that could be solved. And the temptation of doing something with Kairos was too enticing. Even if it wasn't sexual or physical.
"Promise to hold my hand so I don't drown?" I asked.
I heard him chuckle before he responded. "Sure."
So I unzipped my training suit, letting it fall to the ground. I was left in my short black tights and grey singlet. When I turned around, I found Kairos staring at my body with a burning gaze and I felt self-conscious, regretting my choice instantly.
But I cleared my throat, stilled my nerve as his gaze snapped up to my eyes. While I walked to the lake.
When I inserted my foot into the purple lake, a calming sensation washed over me and lingered specifically in that area. It was a pleasurable sensation that made me sigh involuntarily.
'The Lake has no temperature... Odd but interesting.'
Then I continued to move forward, slowly inside the water. The unique sensation almost making me lose balance. I felt slightly drowsy and like... melted chocolate.
I got closer to Kairos, and the water level rose like my heartbeat. Then I stretched my hand out to him, to hold me, before I lost my footing.
A warm big hand gripped mine, and guided me gently to his front. I stood a few steps in the water, close to Kairos.
The water level reached my chest and I was freaking out. So badly I looked around and felt my heart thump out of it's cage, that I instinctively moved closer to him and held his hand tighter.
"Scared?" He said.
"Mm." The words were stuck in my throat as I tried to calm myself down.
Kairos pulled closer than necesary to him, and I obeyed for fear of tripping and drowning even if I could stand again. Who knows if I'd float away into deeper areas and drown? My ghost wouldn't.
And when our bodies came close, he wrapped both arms around me and I reciprocated with a slight blush and smile, hands going around his big frame.
My wet clothes outlined my body, and his exposed chest were pressed on mine.
'He has nice nipples... No, Jael! Stop thinking!'
I knew mine was hard. And I knew I made a bad decision. But I relaxedly rested my head on his chest.
But other than hugging me while my weight leaned on his body, Kairos had no reaction.
Or so I thought. Until I felt something hard and hot, stand firm and poking my stomach. I stiffened slighly.
"Kairos?"
"Hm?"
'I can feel your erection, what should I do?'
Is what I'd like to say. But my mouth said otherwise.
"You're fine."
"Thank you." He responded genuinely, with a hint of laughter in his tone.
"I can't control it." He said, and I knew what 'it' meant.
"I know." I simply replied, gazing into the distance of the colorful scenery.
I wasn't that uncomfortable with Kairos' reaction. More so, I felt pleased within, but I just didn't know how to deal with such an awkward situation.
"Full body immersion?" He asked.
"What?" I tilted my head up to face Kairos.
"Full body immersion under the lake gives a better experience. Would you like to try it?" He repeated.
I thought over it for a second before nodding.
"Okay."
Kairos shifted us into a position that wouldn't allow us collide with each other unexpectedly, hands still on my body.
He moved to my side, a hand around my waist as he counted.
"3... 2... 1!"
And we ducked underneath, holding our breaths. The waters touched my face and soaked my hair, and Kairos' words proved true. I liked it.
I really liked the feeling. And we stayed there for a few seconds.
The lake glowed, and I could see Kairos' face, looking ethereal underwater. But in no time, he pulled us back up and I breathed in air, oxygen passing through my lungs. Wiping the water droplets off my face.
Dropping my hands to the side, I watched Kairos silently with his hands wrapped around me, as the insane urge to kiss him overwhelmed me. I really...
Mirroring my desire, golden eyes stared at me with intensity, and I wanted Kairos to take the initiative. But time just stilled, along with the action I dearly anticipated.
Impulsively, I parted my lips and leaned forward before stopping halfway when my brain cells kicked in. But Kairos weaved his fingers into my hair and smashed his lips on mine.