[Flash Strike]

I used the martial skill master taught me and lunged at Ishmael.

CLANG

I had rushed at him so hard his sword went flying out of his hand.

And currently, I was holding my blade to Ishmael's throat as I pinned him with the rest of my body.

“Give up?”

I said smugly as this was the umpteenth time I've won.

Ishmael tapped my hand and I got off of him.

I went to get his blade and prepared to hand it back to him.

“Whats wrong?”

I noticed that he looked a little sad.

“This sucks, I can't fight as good as you or dad”

“Oh come on, I'm sure you just need more practice and in a few more years you'll be just as good”

“Dad doesn't hold back when he spars with you. And I can't even react to your strikes anymore”

“Well. . . it's true that I usually beat you in one hit. That doesn't mean you won't catch up”

Ishmael shook his head.

“This just means I'm weak, I. . I want to protect you. . . I mean I can't just let you protect me all the time”

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“Aww, how sweet come here”

I gave Ishmael a hug to try to cheer him up.

“Maybe you want to lay down? Your face feels hot”

He hurriedly pushed me away and turned his face around.

“I'm fine. It's just that dad's a warrior, I want to become one too. I want to protect the things I care about”

“Hahahahaha”

I was rolling on the grass at the words Ishmael spoke.

“What's so funny?”

I collected myself and sat up once more with a smile on.

“Nothing, that just sounded so cheesy. You know, not everyone can fight. You just have to find something that suits you”

“I guess so”

“Don't worry, I'll help. Let's go in to town and see what things you could do”

“Did you forget?”

“?”

“It's your anniversary. Dad's bringing home the food soon”

“Huh? Oh yea it was”

Yep today was the anniversary of when I had first arrived on Master's doorstep.

This marked the third year that I was with them.

It also functioned as my birthday and I'm turning “14” today.

Someday I would have to leave them, and I don't know if I could.

But I've learned that I can't live like this.

“Your kind brings nothing but death”

Those were the last words my previous caretaker said before they died and after they learned of my true form.

“Gia you okay?”

I snapped back to reality and smiled a bit.

“Yep, I'm just thinking about the cake”

I ruffled Ishmael's hair as I stood up.

“Hey, I'll race you to the kitchen”

“You're on!”

“Ready, set, go!”

The sound of our laughter could be heard as we raced each other.

Little did we know, that was my last birthday with them.

Soon, I would be forced to wander again.

And it wouldn't be the last time I had to leave after I was found out.

The times with them were some of my most fondest memories. . . .