"Let's run that again."
Christian's voice echoed within the courtyard of the Compound. It's been weeks after he moved the once scared being known as Phoenix to begin her training. Every single day, she was taught ancient methods of fighting from the Denzin of Death.
From Pankration to Muay Thai.. Every single civilization both claimed by Ruin and still living she learned day in and day out. It helped that neither of them needed sleep, so the process of learning was constant, minus breaks to either eat or relax between techniques.
"Sweet Lucifer, again?"
She cried out, her body seeming to move with her forced breaths. A slight shine of sweat seemed to cover what parts of skin that were exposed in the summer sun. Christian was having a hard time trying to not look upon the snowy hills and valleys.
"Yes, you almost have it. We could be fighting Them at any time and one is the very embodiment of War. Just having the basics won't be enough. Pulling each move seamlessly, whether it is a punch, kick, grapple, etc. That is my goal before we even go for the Zeppllii."
Christian explained, lowering his stance. He was prone to the elements as well, his upper body glistening with sweat. His well- defined frame was covered in cuts, burning almost from the essence of hard training. Yet he did not mind. This new sensation was odd to him, as if he was curious as to why he was feeling this at all.
"Again, why the biggest ones first? Why not the smaller ones like the 'Tors or Akuma?"
She asked, charging headfirst, her leg carrying the momentum towards his side as she stopped.
His elbow and knee came together like an impenetrable wall, his bones vibrating from the force. Christian could see that she was getting more comfortable with her strength. He launched a palm strike for the center of her chest.
Her hand moved like a whirlwind in response, pushing it away while the other one latched onto his wrist and began to twist forcibly. He grunted from sheer surprise before rolling forward, righting his arm so that it wouldn't dislocate.
"First off, not a bad counter."
He complimented before grabbing her throat. He heard her gasp in (what he hoped was) shock; throwing her over his shoulder. He quickly kneeled above the Don, a hand resting on her collarbone.
"Second, we won't have enough time to battle from the bottom up. If we strike a critical point and stop one of their major sales, it could ruin almost all their rep."
He added while a man nearby made another tally for Christian. There seemed to be too many to count between both of them, but it looked like the man was tired enough as it was.
Christian smiled at the man before he looked down. Her normally stoic face was plastered in a rouge, his eyes still seemed to be filled with shock. Her lips slightly parted, one hand clasping the grass…
"G..good point."
He shook off the odd feeling as her stutter snapped him back into reality. He stood up and offered a hand, a soft smile taking to her face.
"Let's take a break for today. Tonight we will talk shop about where to strike."
He said, only a nod coming from her as she went to head off. He felt odd, even more so now seeing her like that. Was she?... No, that wouldn't make sense.
"Good job today. You improved substantially."
The words left his mouth before he really could think. She stopped and glanced back for a second and seemed to move even quicker back to her quarters. For the second time since his stay on Earth he felt bad.
Yet he could have swore he saw some red on her face.
"Must have been her hair or something.."
He muttered to himself as he began to make his way to the showers.
-
Phoenix closed the door to her room, slowly making her way as she took off piece after piece of her sweat stained clothing. Her face seemed to hold anger as the water slowly began to fill the gold- inlaid tub.
She was training non-stop, day in and day out. Yet she still was outmatched, even when she seemed to push for more riskier tactics.
"Why can't I win against him?"
She said softly, her alabaster frame slowly covered by the rose-scented bubbles as she slipped in. Phoenix closed her eyes, hoping that exhaustion would take over.
Those Golden Ichors looking down on her, the slight grin on his face, the hand so gentle on her after being so rough only seconds ago…
Her eyes fluttered open as she sat up, gasping for air. The being of Flames held their heart while they tried to calm their mind.
For once, it wasn't out of fear….
---
It was nearing evening when Christian got back to the Compound. Even though he was free to just sit back and relax, doing some daily collections on behalf of the Family did help him gain more info and other connections that were dire in this Time Period.
He dropped it off with the Bookee, giving a light nod as he was given his weekly cut. He did not exactly understand the "Dollar" of whatever the Hell this currency was. Yet, it was much easier to use than to constantly give out the gold coins he had.
The Guide to the Void was in the middle of pocketing his money when she slowly came down the steps. It didn't take much to know that her eyes were on him, so he did not bother to turn around.
"Ah, I take it you rested well?'
"You are actually worried about how I feel? I'm surprised."
A giggle escaped her. The Bookee took this as a note to leave and did so. Seeing the Don being so casual with the new Capo, it was safe to say something was about to happen.
"A giggle? Well I dare say I am humbled to hear that."
He replied back as he turned around. The sly remark he had ready quickly forced its way back down.
A pencil dress, outlining every curve in the slimming color of black with a slit that nearly left nothing to imagine. Her long crimson hair was done up, a bun that was held together with a black ribbon. With her heels clacking against the marble floor, a smile that could eat every fiber of his being made its debut as she came to a stop by Christian.
"Well, let's go talk shop at a favorite little restaurant of mine. It just may get your stiff bones to finally relax."
She said, gently taking his arm.
Christian could only nod, making his way for the door with the demonic being he rebirthed holding on tightly.
He did not know why she suddenly changed. He was not used to this. Was this the thing that most humans called Courting?
So many questions in his head, yet the stunning bombshell seemed to put a cork in the bottle that was ready to explode.
He felt….Lucky to see her like this.
So together, they walked into the night air; ready for anything that the Big Apple could give them.