Weeks have gone by since Sara started with her training. She has been taught how to fight using various weapons and how to utilize her strength without them. She has been learning a number of different languages as well. She has learned how to keep herself alive at the same time how to take a life or break one. She hasn't gone down the crossroad of actually doing it since joining the league, but it was not like she has never done it before. Though circumstances are different, it would still be taking a life, after all the training she's doing, would the toll on her still be as heavy as it was then?
"You should choose a name." Nate opened a conversation as they sparred with bo staffs. It was one of Sara's favorite weapons. And she could easily beat most of the assassins in it.
"Yeah, about that. Why have a different name? I never got to ask."
"Your new name shall represent your rebirth to who you become as you join the league. You use that name and forget the one given to you at birth, because it represents the person you were that you should no longer be. It's like erasing all ties from your old life."
"But you're still being called Nate."
"Only by you and Nyssa. She does not want me to completely let go of who I was, and she doesn't want me to be the name I chose, at least to her."
"Why is that? What name?"
"Al-hami. The protector. I chose it because I want to be that for her, but of course, being who she is, she would not accept. To her, I will always be Nathaniel."
"You should know that that means more to her than you being Al-hami."
"I know."
"But you still want to live up to it."
"Of course. I shall be that overprotective friend."
"Even for me?"
"Maybe. I'll think about it."
Sara swiftly took him down by sweeping his feet with the staff.
"Okay! Okay! I'll be your overprotective friend. No need to be hard."
They both smiled. They would have laughed out loud if they both didn't have much control of their emotions already.
"She's beating you up." Nyssa interjected from behind them.
"You don't have to point it out that much." Nate said as he got up.
"Well, I am." Sara wrapped her arms around Nyssa's neck. "Hey, stranger."
"You wrap your arms around every stranger you meet?"
"Are you jealous?"
"I shall kill every single one of them. I missed you, my love."
Nyssa had just come back for being away for days on a mission.
"I was a bit lonesome."
"A bit?"
"Fine. I missed you a lot too." Sara snuggled up on Nyssa's neck and her body was pulled closer to hers.
"You are out in the open, ladies."
"Let's take this somewhere more private."
They made their way to the room they share. And in no time, their lips were locked in a passionate kiss. The hunger and longing they have for one another poured out into it. They broke apart for a moment to catch their breath.
"How have you been, my love?"
"Aside from missing you dearly, I'm doing well, I guess. I'm already used to the pain and aches. Except for the one I feel whenever you're away."
"The emptiness, like their is always something missing. I know what you feel. I've known that longer than you have."
"I'm sorry."
"I know you are."
Sara knows that they have moved past that, especially now that they are very much involved in each other's lives. But it still has an effect on her that she has hurt Nyssa deeply plenty of times. That's why every day that they are together she is always very careful not to do it again.
"I need your help on something. I want your take on it because you're so much part of my life now, part of who I am."
Nyssa smiled. She overheard her conversation with Nate about the name, and apparently she already has something in mind for her.
"Ta-er al-Sahfer."
"What?" Sara was surprised that she already knew what she was going to say, maybe she overheard, maybe she just knows her too well. Whichever the case was, she found it sweet.
"During my last mission, I saw a girl sitting by the front steps of their house. Her father came up to her with a caged bird behind his back. He kissed her on top of her head and offered her the bird. The girl's eyes lit up. It was beautiful with its exquisite form and golden feathers. The girl opened the cage and took the bird out for a closer look. What she did next surprised both me and her father. She let it go. She smiled sweetly at her father as the bird flew away. The father didn't get mad or question her. He just held her daughter close. That yellow bird, the canary, reminded me of you. The island and that ship were your cage, now you're free of it and are able to soar high and be whoever you want to be. You're the canary. My Ta-er al-Sahfer."
"And you're the girl who made that all happen. Ta-er al-Sahfer. I love it. And I love you."
"I love you, my canary."
"And just so you know, you may have set me free, but I am not flying away from you. This is exactly where I ought to be, where I want to be, right by your side."
Nyssa hopes that that would never change. They're finally together like they've never been before. Their bond and love for each other stronger, but she is still afraid she's going to realize she's not what she really wants one day and just leave. Maybe she would never get over the fear of sara walking away from her. But at least for now, she would cherish every single moment they share together. She would be happy and content that she is with her, that she chose a life to be with her.
There was a knock on the door.
"Princess, Ra's al Ghul requests your presence."
Nyssa felt a knot form at the pit of her stomach. She couldn't pin it out but her father summoning her at the moment doesn't sit well with her. And Sara saw the weariness in her eyes.
"Maybe he just missed his daughter. Or wants a report on your mission."
Nyssa doubted both counts but appreciated Sara's attempt to lift her up.
"Maybe."
"It'll be okay. You'll see. You're worrying over nothing."
"I don't know how you keep being a wonderful ray of sunshine going through all this, but I love you even more for it."
"You're the reason for it. You'll lose yourself, when I lose myself. Like you, I don't want that to happen."
"We keep each other in check."
"Exactly."
"I should be going before our worrying over nothing turns into something."
Nyssa placed a soft kiss on Sara's forehead before heading out the door.
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"No! You can't! I refuse to be a part of this! I won't let you do this!" Nyssa was furious of a decision his father declared of.
"Enough! I am Ra's al Ghul! You do as I say."
"This has been your plan from the beginning."
"I would not have allowed it if I didn't deem it worthy. This is not just for her, but also for you. Prove to me that you are a worthy heir, my daughter."
Nyssa left with such animosity. She should not be surprised that her father would do such a thing. At least he gave her a heads up. She returned to their room. She just wanted to forget that horrid thought before she has to face it. She just wants to be with Sara.
"So, what was it about?" Sara queried as she entered and sat beside the blonde on the bed.
Her father specifically said that she not say anything about what they discussed. Afraid of worst reprecussions, she lied.
"Nothing we need to worry about."
Sara didn't believe her. She didn't even try to hide the weariness in her eyes. But she let it go. She will tell her if she's ready, now, she can tell that Nyssa simply needs her by her side.
"Everything will be okay."
Nyssa was grateful that she didn't push and that somehow she knows what she needs at the moment.
The following day, very early in the morning even before the sun arose, a number of assassins gathered at a spacious court of some sort. Nyssa wished she could prevent what was to happen, but she has no clue as to what else to do. Ra's al Ghul called onto everyone's attention. He stated that a trial is to commence to ensure that one is fit to continue with their journey with the league.
"Sara." He called out and Sara stepped forward and stood in front of him. "Today you shall face off with your greatest weakness."
Nyssa reluctantly took her place along side Sara in front of Ra's. The events unfolding before her were somewhat confusing to Sara.
"Nyssa represents your weakness. Here, there is no room for weaknesses. I need to know that no matter what the circumstances are, you will be able to go through with the tasks given to you."
Sara was still trying to make sense of things. What is it that Ra's wants her to do? A thought has crossed her mind but does he really want that? And why is Nyssa just standing there as if she already knew about it? And if she did, why didn't she tell her?
"You may choose your weapons. This trial does not end until I say so."
"Even til death?" Sara questioned.
Nyssa can barely contain the burning fury she has been keeping in. She has put her walls higher and thicker than she has ever had. She thought to herself that she had no choice in this. At the very least she is giving Sara a chance to fight. She has to be tougher than ever in front of her. It was very difficult in face of the situation but she was able to.
"If I see it fit." Ra's al Ghul said in return. He waved his hand for them to begin.
Nyssa unsheathed the sword she always carried by her side. And Sara took one from the array of weapons given to her. She is an excellent swordsman but she has no idea if she is at the level of Nyssa. She has to be strong. She is not fighting for her life alone, but it feels like she has to be fighting for theirs.
They stood for a moment looking intently in each other's eyes. Neither wanting the other to see the fear behind the curtains of their strong gazes. Sara charged first and their swords clashed with a clang of steel meeting steel. Their movements were swift and precise. Each offense quickly matched by a strong defense, followed by a counter attack. The exchange of blows were quick. One would be cut or fall, but would regain their footing right away. Neither one leaving an opening for the other to deliver a dangerous blow. Neither wants the other to make the decision to kill the other. They fought and fought which still continued after an hour. Their muscles were aching and bruised, their skin cut and bleeding, but their spirit still strong and would not back down. It was the fight of their life. What could they do if they were given an option to kill the person they love the most or be killed by that same person? Keep fighting until they no longer can, because how can you ask the person you love most to just kill you so they could live? Neither would dare ask that to the other. So they keep fighting.
Ra's al Ghul was greatly impressed with the show of strength and spirit the two girls were showing. Neither wants to back down, but both were prepared to do what they have to do when the opportunity comes. And they barely give each other openings for the other to give a fatal strike.
Everyone thought it was about to be over when Nyssa was able to relieve Sara of her sword, but Sara ducked out of the way of her next strike and swiftly retrieved her weapon. Sara then made a clean sweep of Nyssa's feet making her fall, but she moved out of the way in time to avoid Sara's sword making it clash to the floor. Sara swung back around to meet her sword with Nyssa's just inches away from the her face. Nyssa pushed her sword forward to force Sara back creating distance between them. Their strength were wearing out. It was evident on their catching of breath and slowing movements. The battle continued, but the end was nearing. An opening is bound to present itself soon.
Nyssa turned up her offense once more, going at Sara aggressively. She swung her sword at her in different directions and Sara could barely catch up in blocking them. Nyssa tried to cut her sword by Sara's head, which the blonde avoided by ducking back. Nyssa used that swing's momentum to spin and change her timing. She turned back around and had her sword at Sara's neck. And Sara's was directed at Nyssa's heart ready to pierce.
Ra's spoke up in time for them to stop themselves from ending each other.
"Enough! You have both proven yourselves."
They both laid their swords down as relief washed over them.
"Now, I truly welcome you to the League of Assassins, Ta-er al-Sahfer. You have earned my respect, child. You have proven yourself greater than you seemed."
Sara knew it should mean more to her, but it didn't. She had almost killed Nyssa, and no praise nor approval could make up to that.
After they were dismissed, they tended to each other's wounds. They stitched up their wounds without even flinching from the pain. It was either they were numb of it or they just didn't mind the pain.
"I'm sorry, Sara."
"That wasn't you, Nyssa. It's okay. We're okay."
"I should have..."
"What? Have yourself killed before hand? Have me kill you to save me? Don't ever think I'd be okay with that."
"I should have told you."
"Maybe. But it's done now. We're still here. Together."
"Stronger?"
"Definitely stronger together after that."
"I love you, Ta-er al-Sahfer."
"It sounds better when you say it. I love you, Nyssa al Ghul."