4 The Newcomer's Party (Yey)

"How annoying." Adelredus muttered under his breath, looking down at the girl in his arms.

But, Kari could feel how he handled her carefully. His actions contradicted his words. How typical of him. Feeling grateful, Kari rested her head on Adelredus' chest. Gradually, her eyelids fluttered to a close.

She could feel the rise and fall of Adelredus' chest. It calmed her. On death's door again—guess that's how it's always been. Kari thought to herself.

"Dad." Kari muttered under her breath. Slowly, the darkness claimed her, shifting her consciousness away as she entered a dreamless sleep—her brain, too tired to conjure her usual dose of nightmares.

And Adelredus quickened his pace, wearing the face of death.

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"Power is often feared by people who cannot understand it. That's why you need to learn how to control yourself."

"But, how mom?"

"Patience, my dear. Self-control starts with acknowledging your limits and understanding that there is something far greater that will give you control."

"And what is that, mom?"

"That's something you would have to find out in the future."

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Just as I thought I was free from those horrid nightmares, I woke up feeling like I had missed an important detail. Other than the feeling of having forgotten something important, it was another dull day for me. It's been a week since I recovered from my last fight with Adelredus.

After that squabble, I feel like he has been avoiding me. I haven't seen him since then, and he hasn't contacted me for a while now. It's a miracle that he hasn't been nagging me about participating in death matches. But, that doesn't mean my everyday schedule got any lax. I still had to accomplish my daily quota as part of my obligation as the first ranked fighter in the Tower. After finishing my matches, I went to my training ground for my workout.

The floor's hallways were almost empty save for a few attendants who took care of cleaning and cooking. Passing by one of the attendants, I gave him a small nod in acknowledgement.

He nodded back, a small blush on his face.

Passing by a mirror, I couldn't help but stop. Not to marvel at my reflection—because I knew I looked good even without other people telling me.

It was just that... whenever I look at my reflection, I get this uneasy feeling in my gut. It was the same feeling I get whenever I wake up in the morning—that feeling of unease that I seemed to be forgetting something crucial.

I studied my reflection. Ruby red eyes that stared back at me as I ran a hand through my hair, seemed to hold all the answers I sought. My hair was pitch black, cut raggedly into a pixie. It contrasted my fair skin, full of scars. I looked like a guy, any angle you see it.

For a moment, my reflection flickered, and I saw the face of someone else—a woman, well in her years. The illusion was gone the second I blinked, and I was back to staring at my pale face. I ran a hand through my hair, a little conscious. With one last sparing glance at the mirror, I continued on my way.

But, something unexpected happened.

Just as I turned a corner, I bumped into someone—a teen, about 16 or 17 years old. What the hell? Why is this kid here? On my floor, no less.

"Oof—!" He fell on his bum from the collision. Another teen rushed to his side.

"Your hi—Dustan!" He exclaimed, obvious worry on his features. The white-haired kid helped the other boy stand up.

"I'm fine, Alva." 'Dustan' replied with a gentle smile. I studied the two guys. One had snowy white skin, cropped blonde hair, and shockingly clear sea-green eyes. And the other kid had sun-kissed skin, jaggedly cut black hair—eyes the color of sunset, almost red. Both of them wore a backpack, like they were off to camp.

"What are you kids doing here?" I asked, eying the pair suspiciously. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought the other teen was my long lost brother.

"Hello sir Kari. The Tower Master told us we'd find you here." The dark haired boy, Dustan, answered. Despite his rugged looks, he seemed like the most amiable of the two. Actually, the more I look at him, the more he seems like a respectable noble—always calm and serene.

"The Tower Master? Why?"

"He told us you'd be taking care of us." The other boy, Alva, replied in monotone. Then, Dustan handed me a folded piece of paper.

"He told us to give you this."

I frowned. What's with Adelredus? Since when did he use letters as a mode of communication?

Quickly, I unfolded the note and silently read the contents. As soon as I was done, I was fuming.

"That psycho..." I crumpled the paper in my hands in frustration and disbelief. "Why is he suddenly telling me to take on disciples?!" And what's more, I have to orient them about the tower myself?! Honestly, what does he think of me? I can't believe he's treating me like a babysitter, just because these two are the sons of nobles!

I looked at the two kids who stared at me expectantly. Ugh. I hate newcomers. I mean, why did Adelredus assign me to them? Hell, I'm the number fighter in this Tower! Why do I have to—ARGHHH. Whatever. Let's just get this done with.

"... You two, follow me." I commanded. I didn't wait for their reply, and quickly led them away from the training ground to a vacant room. All the way there, I cursed Adelredus.

I slammed the door open to an unoccupied room—the only room besides mine.

"The two of you will be staying here from now on. I'll give you time to settle until dinner. But, after dinner go to the training ground with your equipment." I instructed.

"Will do, sir." Dustan responded with a gentle smile. The other kid remained silent. Well, I left them to it.

After all, I had a certain red-head to hunt down until dinner time.