Yoshi walked into Takashi's office feeling proud, constantly touching the medallion in his pocket. He knocked.
"Come in"
Yoshi came in. Takashi looked up from his laptop.
"Yoshi. What can I help you with?"
A wide grin spread across Yoshi's face.
"I have retrieved the medallion."
Yoshi said proudly. Takashi stared at him still trying to comprehend what he said.
"Come again Yoshi."
Yoshi repeated what he said. A grin appeared on Takashi's face, brightening his grey eyes. He couldn't believe it.
"May I see it?"
Yoshi took it from his pocket and handed it to Takashi. Takashi held the medallion. His smile fell replaced by a frown. Yoshi was startled by his sudden change of mood but composed himself.
"Is this supposed to be a joke Yoshi?" he asked looking at Yoshi coldly.
He cringed a bit.
"Excuse me? "
"It's a fake"
Yoshi's smile vanished. He was tricked by that ninja. He was played as well.
"It can't be"he said, unable to hide his surprise.
Takashi sighed. And he thought it will all be over.
"You are dismissed"
Yoshi exited the office walking to his own office. He slammed the door behind him. He was tricked by children. He shook with rage. He felt so stupid and surely those children were still alive. A sinister smile appeared on his face. That is certainly good news. He picked up three knives. He would finish the job. He threw the knives. It hit the faces of the dark girl, the blond boy and the green eyed girl. The knives still vibrated from the force with which it was thrown.
They will die painfully.
Then he laughed.
****
The three friends managed to get to school but they were sore all over. Especially Chris and Cleo who wore long sleeves to cover all their bandages. The band aids on their faces brought attention to them. They just said they fell while skateboarding. Honestly, they were in so much pain even Jordan noticed it.
Cleo and Chris could hardly move but they managed. The slightest movement sent sharp jolts of pain through their body. Fortunately school was over and they made their way home. Sensei gave them instructions to get rest and so suspended training. His old heart ached for them. His brother did this to them. He could feel the pain they felt but he was so glad they at least survived.
Jordan sat on his bed. He, just like everyone else in the class noticed how battered Cleo and her friends looked. Everyone bought the skateboard accident story but not him. It was far worse than that. Cleo was in so much pain, it took everything she had not to cry. He didn't know why but seeing her in such pain made his heart ache. He was worried about her.
He sighed picking up his phone. He had her number for a while now but he was still contemplating. Now he had a reason to text her. He took a deep breath and texted
Hi
Cleo sat on her bed after a painfully long bathroom session. Her phone beeped. She checked it. Unknown number. She tensed. Could it be Yoshi? Had he found them? No, no. She shook the absurd thought from her head. She checked the text.
"Hi? "she said confused. She texted back
Who are you?
Jordan's phone beeped. He was so relieved when she texted back.
Don't tell me you've forgotten about me so soon. Newbie
Cleo frowned. Really? Him?
How did you get my number?
He smiled
I have my ways.
Cleo rolled her eyes. She could see the smug smile on his face
What do you want?
Is it bad to call my boss?
Well, yeah.. We aren't close. Remember.
Ouch! That's mean
Oh shut up. You are supposed to know that's not even close to being mean.
Good point. I just wanted to check up on you
Check up on me? Why?
Cleo. I know you guys didn't have a skateboard accident. It's more than that right?
Cleo tensed. Does he know?
How did you know that?
Cleo you could hardly move. It looked like you had broken a lot of bones. You and the blond kid. What happened?
Are you worried about me?
And if I said yes. Cleo, your face was covered in band aids. And the dark haired girl, her neck was swollen. You guys were really beat.
It's nothing. We're fine. Thanks for caring. I didn't think you cared
Ouch! That hurt. You are getting meaner by the minute.
What can I say. I learn from the best.
Seriously though. Are you okay?
I'm great. Really great.
How ironic. She was in excruciating pain. Even texting was hard.
I miss you Cleo.
Cleo felt weird. She could feel heat in her cheeks. She was very sure she was as red as a tomato.
What?
You want me to say it again Cleo.
She could hear him laughing. Her blushing increased.
No
You're blushing, aren't you ?
No
Oh Cleo. I really miss you
Wait till Monday.
I can't. If I close my eyes. I'll dream of you.
Stop saying rubbish
Because I'm making you feel flustered. Admit it, you miss me too
Don't get ahead of yourself pretty boy.
Let's see tomorrow
No
Why?!
I'm hanging out with my friends
Can't you ditch them for me?
Do I look like a crazy fan girl to you? I'm not coming.
Please
No
Come on Cleo
I have important things to do.
Like what? Saving the world.
She could hear the sarcasm in his text. She rolled her eyes.
Maybe
Read me a story
Why?
I want to sleep. Any story
Including snow white?
Yeah, anything
Okay.
She texted all about Snow White. Jordan smiled as he read it. It reminded him so much of his mother, Loretta.
Jordan?
Jordan?
No reply. She guessed he'd gone to bed.
Good night Jordan. Sweet dreams
Cleo placed her phone on her dresser, still blushing like an idiot. She screamed into her pillow and smiled knowing that he misses her.
Jordan read her last text. He smiled whispering back
Goodnight Cleo