Noda stepped into Lien-da’s office so expecting to get a lecture full of swearing and possibly another chain down.

“Hello, Noda.” Lien-da’s friendliest voice greeted her. Noda was shocked to see Lien-da so calm with her feet on her डेस्क and leaning back in her chair, smiling. She wasn’t pacing, plotting, या commanding Noda to stop doing something so terribly wrong. ‘This is very bad.’ Noda thought closing the door behind her, her hand staying on the knob.

“Listen to me very closely, Noda.” Lien-da began to speak very coldly as she placed her feet backed on the floor and gripped the far corners of her desk, “I’m going to make it simple. One way या another, I’m going to break you. I will try every way to make आप see आप no longer are a part of your vows. Here, आप follow no rules but, mine. आप will be a killer,” she smiled,” And your real training starts…now.”

Eleven months later


In that same office Noda stood, her heels together, back straight, eyes focused, and very still. She was clothed in skintight leather pants and only a black-leather जैकेट with silver ड्रॅगन्स wrapping up the sleeves .Her entire left arm was now mechanical, controlling the power level of her gift. She didn’t even seem noticed Lien-da examining every inch of her.

“Who are you?” Lien-da asked, now standing in front of Noda.

“Mari-le-su from the house of Dimitri. सेकंड in command of the Dark legion and Commander of both teams आग and Ice.” Noda answered, her eyes locked with Lien-da.

Lien-da smiled, “Who do आप answer to?”

“Lien-da, the Grandmaster of the Dark Legion.”

“Why are आप here?”

“To rid this planet of the Guardians. Forever.”

Lien-da continued to smile as she walked around to her desk. “Bring him in.”

The door swung open and a young male stumbled to the floor. Dirt was smudged across his face and much fear showed in his eyes. Noda watched him as he struggled to stand and get in to a fighting stance. ’He knows’ Noda thought.

The teenager ran at Noda and swung. She grabbed his forearm and twisted it behind his back with one swift, effortless motion. ‘This isn’t a test of fighting.’

There was a loud snap as Noda turned to face Lien-da, the boy in her grasp. ’This is a test of death.’ Lien-da smiled and sat down in her chair. She snapped her fingers. Understanding the command Noda slammed the boy on his knees then forcefully held his chin up. She disabled him every way she could.

Lien-da smiled with satisfaction, “Kill him.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Noda snapped his neck. With a loud crack, the boy’s body fell limp. Noda didn’t move, didn’t speak, only let go and stood straight again. Lien-da howled with laughter in her chair and applauded at Noda. She had done all that was needed in a simple, short manner.

“Wonderful!” Lien-da spoke, finally under control, “Amazing. You’re finally ready for the field.”

Lien-da stood and patted Noda on the back. She purposely step on the dead teenager’s body and walked to the door. She looked back to find Noda hadn’t moved. As if पढ़ना Lien-da’s thoughts Noda turned on a heel and followed her aunt out the door. ‘I’ve been ready.’