Chapter 9: Why Do You Care?

"Come on Aspin. You need to throw your fists harder if you are going to knock me over!" I growled at him. He threw one punch after another but missed. I wondered if he could hit me even if I sat still. That was just how slow and sluggish he was being this morning. I shook my head sadly at him and told him to pause. His stance was all off, which was throwing his balance. I walked up next to him and started to reposition him. Hopefully this would help him and maybe land a few blows. I couldn't be easy on him if he wanted to learn. Assassin life was not easy work.

"Aspin stand with your legs apart like this. No wider. Yes there. Hold your fists up like this. There yes yes. Okay now take a few practice swings. No, you have to punch harder. There you go. Yes. Okay now stay like that and swing at me alright?" I left his side and stood before him. His hands shook nervously. I steadied his hands with mine, giving him a look of encouragement before letting go and raising my own fists.

"Stop being so nervous. You are doing fine. No one does well there first week of training. Just breathe." He nodded his head slowly, trying to smile. I gave him a nod for him to throw his worst. I watched as his brows furrowed together as he focused in. He swung at me, I evaded him. It was better. Now he just needed to quicken his throws.

"Much better. Throw them harder and faster. You want to throw off your attacker. Look for any weak spots. In combat you don't want to play fair. Your goal is to get them unarmed and off their feet." His face tightened and once again nodded. He threw punch after punch, gaining confidence.

I blocked everyone, giving him words of encouragement every time he improved. He panted heavily, sweat beading off his forehead. I admired his drive to improve. He was putting in a lot of work too, practicing everyday whether it was with me of Sebastion. I think he does better with Sebastion though. He doesn't hold back with him. In his eyes, all females are ladies in distress looking to get rescued. I think it throws him off that this one knows how to defend herself especially from men.

"Alright, that's enough for one day Aspin. Keep practicing with Sebastion if you like." I tossed him a towel. I could feel the fatigue setting in and I no longer could focus long enough to keep directing him. These nightmares I kept having where slowly and surely getting worse with each passing day. The more I put off sleep, the more vivid and vibrant they became. Even the blood and grime covered fingers that caressed me left invisible marks upon my skin. Honestly it was the most haunting feeling, knowing that it wasn't real, but still being able to feel everything like it had just happened.

My attention was stolen as I watched Aspin snatch up the towel from the air and rubbed across his chest. He wasn't as muscled or toned as Sebastion and Drake where. He was even more on the thinned side with just a hint of muscle. He was still so young, just barely into a adult hood. So why was he fighting in a war he could not possibly win? There was something off with him today. He wasn't as chatty. Part of me was concerned. I don't know why, but not listening to him beg for Assassin stories was weird and offsetting. His moves where jerky and ungraceful as I watched him pull his shirt back over his head. His moves slow and hesitant. I perched myself on a counter, crossing my legs. His eyes met mine as he finished getting dressed. He froze, not sure as what to do.

"Tell me, what has you so hesitant this morning Aspin? You seemed a little distracted today." His face turned red and scratched the back of his head absently. I watched him struggle with amusement as he tried to form words. What has him speechless?

"I won't lie, you being topless is a huge distraction." He mumbled. Ah, he was referring to my bra. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Sebastion was right, we work with prude's. He was still young yet too. I chuckled softly at his red face. Oh what I would do to be as innocent as them.

"You are so red, how cute. I suppose this is good practice for you. Distractions get you hurt." I wagged my eye brows up and down at him. He sighed and nodded. His flush face only amused me more. "Get out of here Aspin." I smiled as he slowly walked out of the training room. It was nice to see people get flustered over horney for a change. Maybe chivalry isn't dead.

"Are you always in decent?" I looked up startled at the door. Drake was leaned against the door frame, casually watching. I composed my self and shrugged. I was use to being exposed, so it didn't bother me any more. Then I grew rather amused. Did it bother him. I couldn't help smiling coyly at him.

"Does it bother you? My indecency?" I asked placing my head in my hand. I watched him straighten, and stalk across the room. Like a lion would before pouncing. I felt my heart race with ever step he took to cross the distance between us. A smile slowly spread across his face. I felt my face falter as he stood before me, my knees almost touching his chest. I didn't feel fear though, more curiosity.

"I'm no prude, I just find it indecent for you to tease the poor kid." He leaned in, putting his hands on either side of me. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. It's good practice for him.

"Might as well expose him to it now. The more immune to distractions he is the better." He stood so close to me now, I could feel the heat radiating from his body. What was he trying to do, scare me? Granted it made me uncomfortable, but there was nothing he could do that wasn't already done to me.

"I've noticed you have taken my advice. I'm pleased you are starting to open up." Is that what he thinks this is? I'm only improving the team, not get all buddies up with them.

"I wouldn't call it 'opening up'. The explanation the other day was to open Aspin's eyes to the truth above the Assassin's Guild. Nothing more. I help him because I don't want to be on the field and have to babysit him. The more reliable they are, the better off they are." I stated blandly. He chuckled, pushing himself into my bubble.

"That's not what I was referencing to. I saw you last night in the bath. You where standing up for Lola. Wouldn't you normally bat an eye?" My eyes widened as he sneered. That wasn't fair, I was just standing up for her because she had no experience. "Call it what you want Aria, but when this is all said and done, your walls will fall and you won't be so guarded anymore." He pulled away from me, leaving only a little gap between us. What was he playing at? Why did he care?

"Why do you care so much about what happens to me I wonder?" I mused, trying to hide my discomfort. He was quiet for a moment. His eyes searching my face. So many emotions crossed his face.

"You are part of this team are you not? I know your 'Master' as you call him runs things differently than I do. But each and everyone one of you is very important to me. That includes you and Sebastion." There was something deeper in the meaning of his words, but I didn't want to press any further. Honestly I was starting to become to tired to bother continuing a conversation. I grew wary as he stood before me.

"I appreciate your concern for my well being. But after 15 years, I think I can take care of myself. And when I can't I have Sebastion there with me. Now if you will excuse me, I have things I must do." I scooched away from him and gracefully let my feet fall to the floor. I refused to look back on him, I could tell from the phantom feelings on my back that he was staring at me. He was a very intriguing and bizarre man. It normally took a lot of effort to unnerve me, but it seems that he was just as good as I was about unnerving people. I would have to study him more.

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