The rain poured down heavily in the forest, each droplet striking the leaves with relentless force. The sound of the downpour was a constant roar, drowning out all other noises. The forest floor quickly turned to mud, and the air was thick with the scent of wet earth and foliage. Amidst this storm, Dolores knelt on one knee, her head bowed in respect.
Robert sat on a broken log in front of her, his expression stoic despite the torrential rain. Water streamed down his face and soaked his clothes, but he remained unmoved. Dolores' hair was plastered to her face, rainwater mingling with the tears that had fallen earlier. Her clothes clung to her, drenched through and through.
Despite the cold and the relentless rain, she remained kneeling, her posture firm and resolute. The rain continued to beat down, but she did not waver, a solitary figure of devotion and respect amidst the fury of the storm. Robert, seated on the log, seemed almost a part of the landscape, enduring the elements with quiet strength.
Robert looked at Dolores through the pouring rain. "Dolores," he said gently, his voice steady despite the storm, "you've shown incredible strength. Stand up; we have much to do, and I need you by my side." His words carried the weight of reassurance and resolve.
Dolores looked up at Robert, her eyes filled with determination. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady despite the rain. "I won't let you down." Her resolve was clear, each word a promise of unwavering support and strength.
In the dojo's dimly lit interior, the rhythmic sound of the rain intensified against the roof, a steady drumbeat that matched the man's focused movements. He stood alone on the tatami mats, his body moving with fluid grace and precision. Sweat glistened on his brow, mingling with the cool air that seeped in through the slight gaps in the wooden walls.
Outside, the storm grew more ferocious, the rain's heavy downpour creating a soothing yet relentless backdrop. Each strike of his wooden sword was precise and deliberate, cutting through the air with a sharp swish. His breathing was controlled, matching the cadence of his movements, a testament to his discipline and dedication.
Despite the storm's growing fury, he remained unshaken, his concentration unbroken. The dojo felt like a sanctuary amidst the chaos, the rain outside only amplifying the intensity of his solitary training.
The wooden doors of the dojo creaked open, and Robert stepped inside, his figure silhouetted against the dim light. The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of incense and old wood. Dolores followed closely behind him, her eyes scanning the serene space with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
Robert's footsteps were confident and measured, each step echoing softly off the polished tatami mats. He moved with a sense of familiarity, as if the dojo was a second home. Dolores walked beside him, her movements more tentative, but her gaze was steady and focused.
The gentle patter of the rain outside added a calming backdrop to their entrance, contrasting with the intensity that both carried in their demeanor. Robert paused in the center of the dojo, turning to face Dolores with a nod, as if inviting her to join him in this sacred space.
The man stepped out of the room, his movements cautious and deliberate. As he emerged into the hallway, the light around him gradually intensified, pushing back the shadows that clung to the corners. His eyes narrowed slightly as he adjusted to the brightness, scanning the space before him.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm and resonant, echoing down the corridor. The increased light revealed his features more clearly—his sharp, alert eyes and the determined set of his jaw. He moved forward slowly, his posture tense and ready, every sense attuned to any response.
The man's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of Robert. With a swift, fluid motion, his hand instinctively went to the katana at his side. The blade emerged from its sheath with a sharp metallic hiss, gleaming ominously in the light. His expression hardened, his gaze shifting from Robert to Dolores. He leveled the katana at her, its point steady and unwavering. The tension in the air was palpable, his posture a mix of shock and readiness for confrontation.
'Damn it, i forgot' Robert thought.
Robert stepped forward quickly, raising a hand in a calming gesture. "Wait, don't," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the tension. He positioned himself slightly in front of Dolores, creating a protective barrier. "This is Dolores," he continued, his tone both authoritative and reassuring. "She's with me. We mean no harm."
The man's grip on the katana faltered for a moment as he processed Robert's words. The intensity of the situation began to ease as Robert's calm demeanor and confident introduction set a tone of peace.
The three of them settled onto the tatami mats, the tension in the room easing as they assumed their places. Robert sat cross-legged, his posture relaxed but attentive. Dolores knelt beside him, her hands resting in her lap, a look of respectful curiosity on her face. Evans, after carefully placing his katana beside him, joined them, his expression guarded but open to listening.
"Evans," Robert began, his voice steady and calm, "this is Dolores. She's a trusted ally. We're here because we need your help." He glanced at Dolores, giving her an encouraging nod. "She needs a place to stay and train. I can think of no better place than here, under your guidance."
Evans studied Dolores for a moment, then looked back at Robert, weighing his words. The sound of the rain outside created a soothing backdrop, the storm a distant murmur compared to the significance of the conversation inside. The atmosphere grew more focused, with a sense of mutual respect and purpose filling the dojo.
Evans's eyes widened as he sensed the distinct difference in Dolores's aura. A mix of surprise and curiosity flickered across his face. His gaze intensified, scrutinizing her with a newfound sense of intrigue. He furrowed his brow, clearly taken aback by the realization that her aura was unlike any human's.
"Who exactly are you?" Evans asked, his voice a blend of cautious inquiry and astonishment. He glanced at Robert, seeking further explanation, his earlier composure now tinged with a hint of uncertainty. The discovery added a complex layer to their meeting, shifting the atmosphere with a palpable tension.
Robert stood beside Dolores, his voice calm and instructive. "To filter your aura, you need to visualize it changing colors," he explained. "Close your eyes and focus on the energy within you. Picture it as a vibrant purple light."
Dolores nodded and did as instructed, her eyes shutting tightly as she concentrated. "Now," Robert continued, "imagine that purple light shifting to a bright, calming yellow. Feel the change in its intensity and warmth."
As Dolores focused, the aura around her began to shift. The deep purple glow softened and gradually transformed into a warm, inviting yellow. It was a subtle but profound change, her energy becoming more gentle and less formidable.
Robert watched with a satisfied nod. "You're doing great, Dolores. Keep practicing, and it will become easier to control." He then turned to Evans, his expression earnest and reassuring. "Evans, I promise you, Dolores won't cause any harm. She's here to learn and grow, and with your guidance, she'll master this, i'll pay you ."
Evans observed the transformation with a mixture of surprise and relief. The change in Dolores's aura was undeniable, and Robert's confidence helped to ease any lingering doubts. 'i did some tests to improve my ability and blend in with humans. But that makes me wonder what is a demon of great power surpassing mine by far doing in our home, and acting as a butler' he thought smiling to Evans. 'This kid he's only sixteen and he is an ally to such a good looking girl' he thought giving Robert a serious look, 'he's probably thinking about me.'