The Legacy

Her breaths came quickly, squeezing her lungs painfully every time she tries to breath. Her muscles ached with every movement, but she kept on running. She wasn’t going to let a few miles get the best of her. She didn’t usually train this hard. It was something she had to endure. Given her reputation, this should be nothing. Abbadon hasn’t forgiven her for last week’s mishap yet. She didn’t blame him. She didn’t forgive herself either. She was weak. That is no excuse. She failed at her task and for that she had to pay the penalty. Her training was her penalty. She found that her training was pushed to the extreme when she got her schedule for the week. Abbadon’s doing. She hadn’t told him about the fae demon she had killed that night. Neither did she tell him about the other fae with her dying words. Or the uneasiness she felt while watching that young fae die when she was expected to feel victorious while driving her dagger into the dying fae’s heart. There was no real reason why Kain didn’t tell him. She just didn’t think it to be wise. Scratch that, she knew it wouldn’t be wise. Abbadon wasn’t known to be a reasonable man. She lied to him, which also had been the first and the most unwise thing she had ever done. Abbadon always seem to have a way to tell you’re lying and somehow, he always finds the truth. She only hoped that she would be able to think of a reason before he finds the truth behind her lies. Truth is, she didn’t have a reason. She lied to the headmaster, and she didn’t know why. She did tell him about the other fae- her first target- getting away. He wasn’t pleased about it. She expected as much. But why the lie, she didn’t have the slightest idea. Her new schedule tells her that Abbadon has his suspicions that she didn’t tell him everything. All she knew was that if he were to find out the truth about what she had done, she’d better start praying very hard for her life. Although she doubts that the gods would bother to answer her prayers, or any other god for that matter.

Kain had never been a believer, she didn’t believe in pagan gods or other gods. That was because not one of the gods ever answered any of her previous prayers. She blamed them for the giant gap of lost memories in her mind. There’s nothing about her past she remembered. Not her parents or where she had come from or what had happened to get her to where she was now. All she knew was that she woke up in a small rotten bed in some poor orphanage with a hell of a headache and no memories and no belongings. She was only left with her name. She didn’t even remember her surname or what her parents looked like. Abbadon had found her a few weeks later when he was visiting the orphanage for his usual recruitment.

Every time about five years or so, Abbadon would go traveling. He visits children’s homes and orphanages. He’s very picky about who he chooses as his new recruits but everyone he chooses has some sort of skill. She was one of the four orphans he chose that day and took her into training. She is small and skinny which makes her fast and light. It also allows her to squeeze into tight spaces. It makes her perfect for the bow as well. Abbadon wasn’t much of a father figure but at least he provided for her. They didn’t believe in things like gods or other power crazed beings. They were trained to be their own god who just happens to be beneath a master.

Kain sensed someone walking towards her while she adjusted the straps of her training gloves, her breathing had settled down. Years of hard training allowed her to be able to sense things. It was part of why she was the best. Her senses had always been better and acute. It especially came in handy when they went out hunting fae. It ensured that nothing was able to sneak up to them or cause them to run into an ambush. Abbadon had always been harder on her, pushing her to enhance her qualities. Most of her companions believe it’s because he is prepping her to take over when he grows unfit.

Kain didn’t look up when the shadow of a figure washed over her. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Besides, she could smell his scent on the breeze that blew between them. It wasn’t an especially strong scent unless you counted the stench of his sweat. But the light spicy smell was undeniable. It was a scent she knew by heart. “Hey. Is everything okay with you?” a deep yet somehow smooth voice asked. She could hear his concern on the edge of his voice which only made her more frustrated. Kain knew he only meant well. He always did. but the last thing she needed right now was sympathy, “I’m fine, Gavin!” She snapped as she adjusted the strap of her second glove a little too aggressively.

Pressing her lips together, Kain slightly shook her head. She didn’t mean to snap at him. He wasn’t the one she was angry with. She was. She lifted her head up towards the Academy just in time to see Abbadon walk by with a strange looking man beside him. The man was whispering urgently into Abbadon’s ear as they walked. Kain could tell the man’s closeness bothered Abbadon and would have pulled out his black dagger as a warning to keep their distance. Abbadon hates being touched and has very strong feelings about personal space. The man must have been saying something of great interest for Abbadon to tolerate his close presence. It was enough to peak Kain’s interest and make her forget about her frustrations momentarily. There where dark lines set on Abbadon’s face as he kept listening, his eyes focused on his expensive boots as they walked.

The strong sense of Gavin hovering beside her made her sigh, “I’m fine,” Kain repeated, her watchful eyes still following the two men. They were just far enough to keep her from catching the words or reading the whispering man’s lips. She didn’t trust the strange little man, but then again, she suspected everyone of some sort of offence. As a trained assassin, it was the most important thing to do. Don’t trust anyone. she managed to master that skill. She distrusted everyone, Abbadon included. Herself included. Everyone except Gavin. “Are you sure? You seem a little uptight?” Gavin pressed. Kain diverted her eyes toward the semi-tall boy standing beside her. His gorgeous golden-brown hair was combed to the side and his grey eyes seemed a little too dark today. She didn’t tell him anything either. Usually, she would trust him with anything, but she kept this secret to herself. Kain shook her head, “It’s nothing Gavin. I’m fine. Promise.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek then fixed him with a hard stare until he subsided. “Okay, if you say so.” He breathed, still unconvinced. Kain looked back at the Academy, “so what’s all that about?” she nudged her head to the side, changing the subject. Gavin took a moment to watch Abbadon as well then shrugged, “Dunno. Some weirdo trying to convince Abbadon into striking some deal. At least that’s what I heard from O’Connell” he said, moving to stand closer to Kain as he folded his arms over his chest. Kain watched the muscles of his arms grow taut underneath his olive-green T-shirt.

They had been together for two years and still she found herself completely mesmerized by his handsome looks. When she realized that she was staring she quickly diverted her attention back to Abbadon, her cheeks slightly burning. She thanked the beating sun for the camouflage on her cheeks, hoping Gavin wouldn’t be able to tell. Abbadon and his visitor disappeared through the heavy red oak doors of the Academy. Kain turned back towards Gavin, “What kind of deal do you suppose it could be?” She asked curiously as she bended down to pick up her water bottle. Gavin turned to face her now, “Not sure really. The man seems a little suspicious though. It looks like Abbadon is genuinely interested in what the man has to say.” he said with a frown. Unlike the rest of the companions, Gavin isn’t shy to show that he doesn’t trust someone. He makes it obvious. Some would say he is careless, other would say it’s a smart trait. To Kain he is just being honest. Something that tends to be taken advantage of. Gavin glanced back towards the Academy before winking at her, “suppose it’s nothing we have to worry about. It’s Abbadon’s business.”

“Yeah,” Kain mumbled before she flashed him a lazy smile. She didn’t feel like thinking about it any longer, “Ready?” she asked. He knew what she was thinking, just like he always did. The skew smile he gave her told her that. That is what she liked most about their friendship, they didn’t need words to communicate, and they didn’t need to explain themselves to each other. It is also why they have been an item for so long. They could be themselves when they were together, and that was good enough for her. They treaded carefully not to mix in their personal feelings with their training. That wasn’t too hard either. Both took their training seriously. He cracked his knuckles in both hands, grinning wolfishly, “oh! bring it on!”

The training arena buzzed with energy as several students mulled around. Kain swung her silver dagger around her fingers, testing its balance. They tested their skills on each other every day, partly to enhance their skills but also partly because they liked showing off. Especially if they knew that they were good at what they do. It was the kind of training that gave them the chance to prove themselves every single day, as well as test themselves to go past their limits. Proving yourself had its own advantages and it earned you a spot in Abbadon’s very short apprentice list. A list everyone wanted to be a part of. A list Kain and Gavin already topped. “Kain! You and Collins! Centre now!” Edrick shouted from the ring. Edrick was their training master and a very loud man. He disliked her ever since Abbadon brought Kain to the Academy that very first day. The reason was unclear, but Kain just thought it was because she was better than he thought she would be. being a fast learner didn’t exactly make him hate her less. Gavin once told her that he believes it has to do with the ‘I-hate-the-person-everybody-else-envy’s’ concept. What topped the cake was that even Edrick, the master of combat, couldn’t deny her phenomenal skills as a hunter. He was standing on a small balcony just above the arena. His scrawny, yet muscled arms folded and his permanent scowl in place.

He was shouting a lot today which meant he was having a good day. He was stroking his semi-long beard with a free hand as he stared down at the students. Kain snorted, “oh why he gives me the kittens, I still don’t understand.” She half complained with a sarcastic eyeroll. Gavin raised his eyebrows, “careful. Someday you will receive a lion you won’t be able to handle.” He warned but his cocky smile softened his warning. Her heart fluttered only for a split second before she had to remind herself where they were. Shaking the gooey feeling off, Kain snorted again as she headed to the ring. She brushed of his warning with a smirk. She didn’t care for warnings but that was mostly because she wasn’t afraid. She knew she was good, and she proved it every day. It was what was expected of her. Taking up her position, she swung her daggers around her index fingers, showing of her reflexes.

Collins took up his place in front of her, gulping as he watched the dagger spin in a shadow of a silver wheel around her fingers. “Take it easy on me, okay?” he asked quietly so that only she could hear his plea. Kain’s smile tugged deeply into the corner of her cheek, causing Collins to turn pale and swallow so hard that the closest students snickered as they heard him. “Now!” Edrick shouted and Kain lunged forward. Collins blocked her first blow effectively, but almost missed her second blow. He ducked down and spun out of the way, swinging his arm hard towards her legs. She saw the movement coming and jumped just in time, she brought the back of her dagger down on the back of Collins’s head as she landed back on her feet. Collins fell flat on the floor, clutching the back of his head with his unarmed hand. He clutched his own dagger, tighter, in his other hand while struggling to get back up. Kain who waited for him to react, brought her foot up onto his back and pushed down with brute force. He collapsed back onto the ground. It was a quick win. She stared up toward Gavin, giving him a victorious smile.

“Kain!” Edrick shouted, displeased with her victory, “let’s see if you can go up against Gavin!” he challenged making Kain’s smile falter. Gavin was also one of the students considered as an apprentice. He was second to her but only because he mastered different qualities. Where she was agile and light, he was strong and heavy. If it wasn’t for her heightened senses, she and Gavin would be a tie. It wasn’t that she didn’t think that she couldn’t take Gavin. It was just that Gavin was stronger. He matched her weapon skills with his melee skills. She was faster but he was smarter when it came to combat. That is why he was chosen to be second in command once the new master was chosen. Just like Greg is to Abbadon.

Gavin grinned wolfishly as he took his place in the ring, “come now Kain! I thought you wanted a lion.” He taunted, his grey eyes blazing with the challenge. Kain gritted on her teeth and took up her place again. If there was one thing she hated almost as much as losing it was being thought of as a scared little girl. She was not a scared little girl. She was a fire breathing dragon!

They waited for Edrick’s command then lunged towards each other. Gavin wasn’t going to be a quick win. Lucky for her, he had always been the one to push her towards her limits and past it. Which in most ways, made him the perfect opponent for her. Kain had to duck down low in order to dodge his first blow and went for his legs instead. He deflected efficiently and pushed her back with a swing of his own dagger. She swung out her legs and pushed herself from the floor before he could take advantage of her temporary openness.

She swung out her hand and attempted to hit the unprotected side of his neck. She would have hit him if he didn’t decide to step back and dodge to the side. She was about to swing again when the sudden quiet murmurs drew her attention to the doors, staggering her to a halt. Gavin took the advantage of her un-attentiveness to push his foot behind Kain’s legs, making her tumble to the ground. He pressed his foot on top of her chest, forcing her to stay down. She glared up at him, “You should have learned by now, Kain.” Abbadon said as he went to stop at the edge of the ring a disappointed sneer crossed over his face. Gavin removed his foot in the same notion as pulling her up along with him. She flinched slightly from the blow she had to her head. Kain looked at Abbadon, ashamed off her defeat. “Never turn your back while fighting your opponent.” Abbadon said, his voice cold and hard. Kain bowed her head, focusing her eyes on the ground, “yes sir.” She said quietly, still avoiding his piercing gaze. There were no excuses when it came to him. Either you do it right or you do it wrong. There is no in between with him.

Kain kept her head down, as Abbadon turned to the rest of the room. There was never a time she ever stared Abbadon in the eyes for too long. Especially when his eyes were full of disapproval. He made her uncomfortable. Ever since that very first day she met him. It was just a feeling. One she could never shake. There was always something sinister about his eyes. And the great blue scar he had across his cheek made his face look even darker than his constant expression did. She dared looking up when she heard the shifting of his heeled boots, “Edrick, I need the company of Kain and Gavin in my study right this way.” Abbadon instructed flatly. The training master nodded his head once. Kain had almost wished he would deny Abbadon’s request, but she knew he didn’t have the right to object. Abbadon was head of the academy. His word is law. Kain exchanged a look with Gavin before they followed Abbadon out of the training room. The sounds of steel on steel sounded again as the training room faded behind them.

Kain wondered what was up, because Abbadon never called anyone out from the training room. Training was essential to Abbadon. If they weren’t training, they were on missions. Either way being active was the topmost important action of the day. Kain stared at the back of Abbadon’s head as they walked, his brown hair had grown quite a lot and was tied with a black bow behind his neck. His navy-blue coat flapped on his sides. Abbadon did love his expensive clothes and- Kain had to admit- a good fashion sense. The clanking of his boots on the wooden floors was the only sound in the quiet corridors. Gavin hit her on her arm to draw her attention away from Abbadon, she was unconsciously staring again, but this time she was caught. She looked towards Gavin instead, but Gavin was looking in front of him. There was no sign of bewilderment or worry on his face. No sign of what was going on in his head. His face was quite neutral. It made Kain relax a little. If Gavin wasn’t worried, then neither should she be. She inched closer to Gavin. Not because she feels insecure but because the heat radiating from him kept her shivering from the developing chills.

Abbadon turned around the corner of the corridors and they followed right on his heels. At the end of the corridor stood two black pillars and between them was a scarlet red door. Abbadon’s study. This part of the academy always tended to make Kain shiver with unease. Perhaps because it had an eerie air about it. Maybe it was because of Abbadon. Perhaps it was the dark walls and the red door. the same red as freshly spilled blood. Abbadon opened the door and they followed him in. “Shut the door behind you.” he instructed Kain who had gone in after Gavin. With one longing look back into the corridor, Kain shut the doors with a shudder. She hated Abbadon’s study most of all. The walls tended to feel like they were closing in. not that the study was small. It was quite spacious. It was because it made her feel violated. Abbadon’s presence in front of her didn’t exactly help with the goosebumps crawling up and down her arms. He was looking at her with his deep dark eyes. It took her a moment to notice it. When she did, she felt her cheeks flush. She wasn’t being attentive which was the reason for his eyebrow twitching and his scar quivering.