Phantom Assassin (2015 version)

Chapter 10

Before she could do anything else, Trace sat up and rolled off of her. "You're a girl, Shallomar. Don't let others think differently."

Shell-shocked, she blinked, mouth gaping open. Her lips moved awkwardly, struggling for words.

"Idiot," she finally whimpered, shooting straight up. Trace laughed as she started pacing back and forth, wondering what to do. Her frightened face was priceless.

Then, out of nowhere, she flung a ninja star at him. As if in slow motion, it sliced through his shoulder, shreading the fabric, and shattered the bone, releasing a blood-curdling scream from Trace's throat.

"What the he-" Trace was cut off by another star. It stuck in next to the other one, but cut in further. He let out a cry but stopped it with a very unmanly wince.

"Shut up!" She screeched, threatening another star. Trace bared himself. She lowered the sharp weapon and started whispering nonsense to herself. "I'm just a tool in Phantom. Not a human. No emotions. No life. No plans. Nothing. Stop crying. Stop it. Now." She tucked the star away and dropped to her knees next to him. "No life. No plans. Nothing."

Trace felt the warm blood trickling down his back, sending shivers all over his body. The cuts stung, but he tried his best to hide the audible pain. "Shallomar..."

"Trace," she hissed, snapping her head to look at him. "In order to be in Phantom and survive, please leave all of your emotions other than negative ones in the past, okay? It's for the best."

Trace was confused. "We can't all laugh together? We can't have fun as a team?"

She shook her head. "Actually, they encourage teamwork. There's just no love. No romance. The only exception is Hailey and Dereck."

"Oh," Trace whispered. He wasn't going to ask why they were the only exception, in fear it was for some bizarre reason he wouldn't understand. "I'm sorry I harassed you, Shallomar."

She chuckled, but it didn't seem carefree. It was more stiff and forced. "It's alright... Do it again, though, and I'll split your skull in half."

He didn't doubt her.

"Now," she cleared her throat. "On with the fun stuff."

Trace lifted the stars from his shoulder and tossed them to his side. They had five curved points and were black and silver. A very slick design.

His insignia lit up and the color in his eyes turn to light blue. The insignia copied and the deep wounds in his shoulder layered over, healing rapidly. Trace's eyes grew wide in amazement and horror. Could the other assassins self-heal? And if not, how could he?

Trace looked up, relieved that Shallomar didn't see.

And in the blink of an eye she slashed a curved sword at him. He flicked his up and just barely parried the blades. She grinned wide and licked her lips. Then she widened her eyes.

"You taste peculiar, Trace," she remarked in amazement, her lower lip trembling. "Like, warm and tingly."

Trace chuckled. "Was it enjoyable?" How many more stupid questions can I bust out?

She creased her eyebrows and swung her sword down, but he parried again.

"I don't know, exactly." She swung again, three quick lashes in one. Trace dodged and parried.

"How about we establish a bargain chip?" Trace offered, counter-attacking. Shallomar hopped back a few steps and cocked her head to the side. Trace explained. "Say, if I win, I get something that favors me. And vice versa."

"Oh, okay." Her voice was dry. "If I win, don't ever kiss me again. Or anything like that." She had her mind already made up and nodded, swallowing something in her throat.

Trace laughed. "Okay, then if I win, you have to let your emotions flow. Don't hold back." He raised an eyebrow, testing her.

She started to argue, but held her tongue.

"Alright. Deal," she smirked, lunging forward. They clashed swords. Trace slid down the sword and swung at her, stopping short of her thigh. She gasped and stared at Trace, horrified that the match was already over. That he beat her just like that.

She dropped her sword and held her hands up. "Trace, training's over," she said stiffly. Trace laughed and playfully pecked her on the cheek. She reddened and tears started to stream down her cheeks.

"That's right. Now it's time for your training." He smirked and his sword disappeared. The room went pitch black. "Start by laughing. Then by forming feelings for someone. Then find likes and dislikes that suit you."

She snickered through the tears. "Funny. I'm taking lessons on emotions from a guy that was completely loyal to Phantom not a week ago." She rolled her eyes, trying to hide away a smile.

That was definitely strange. Now, he detested Phantom from the depths of his heart. And he had the burning urge to find out exactly what the organization was up to.

He would find out. And show no mercy in the process.

That is, of course, once he got Shallomar to become an emotional girl again. The way girls should be. At least, Trace felt something in his heart telling him that.

A separate entity that was yearning to burst out... A different person, almost.

Trace's eyes widened in realization.