Chapter 14: Challenging A God

  Time: 16:38, Day: Gibrandr, Week: 3, Month: K?rgoyde, Year: 36651

  “How long have you been watching and listening?” Ayanna put her hands on her hips, her smile wide enough for her fangs to peek out between her plump lips.

  “Would've come out sooner but whatever that Aura was made it a bit difficult.” Grim said, stepping up and out of the shadow on the floor. Ayanna purposely took half a step towards him, his face inches from hers as he rose out of the shadow. She immediately grabbed his tail, making him yelp and jump back. He growled low at her, crouching down and pulling his tail from her. Despite the angered look on his face his eyes held no hostility towards her.

  Ayanna burst into laughter, her wings audibly shuddering as she leaned forward with her hands on her knees.

  “All bark and no bite,” Ayanna winked as she straightened up, her tail swaying hypnotically. She crossed her arms, one hand on her chin in a pensive stance, “Although, I wouldn't mind it too much if you bit me.”

  Grim stood tall, shaking his head with a slight laugh, his tail betraying his excitement.

  “Biting you means marking you, marking you means claiming you as my mate. I don't think either of us wants that.” Grim crossed his arms with a huff, even with his dark skin you could tell he was blushing.

  “At least now I know just how much you heard, couldn't have been waiting in my shadow for long.” Ayanna smiled wide, enjoying toying with his emotions, even if he wouldn't admit it, “Anyways, I have a request. Well more of a demand.” Her eyes flared brighter just for a second.

  Grim stayed silent, his eyes narrowing as his tail slowed to a steady pace.

  “And what might that be?” His demeanor shifted to a more defensive one.

  “Train me, the way you trained Lilith.” Ayanna put her hands on her hips, her tail striking the floor with a crack.

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  “Why?” Grim’s eyes widened at her demand.

  “Because I can't stay weak forever and I'd like to be trained by the best.” Ayanna said, her words shaky as her confidence lessened and a blush spread across her freckled cheeks, “Plus, I'm a little jealous that you taught her to be a better warrior and all you've done is protect me.” Her gaze drifted from Grim, unable to let him see her vulnerability.

  “I can't.” Grim said abruptly, shaking his head and regaining Ayanna's focus. Her eyes flaring vibrant pink again.

  “I taught her how to wield Galerian like it was part of herself. The same way I taught Leona to wield her weapon. You aren't a full Devil so there’s no blade for you to inherit.” Grim said matter-of-factly.

  “Lies.” Fate's voice echoed through Ayanna's mind.

  Ayanna's wings drooped, and her tail fell still.

  “So I just have to be weak? I thought I was supposed to be some great all powerful Nephalem?” Ayanna's fists balled in a sad anger.

  “I didn't say that, I just said I can't train you the way I trained them.” Grim said with a smile, enjoying toying with her emotions. Her expression changed to a more challenging one, realizing he was just getting his payback.

  “Fine, that's how you want to play it? Then I challenge you to a duel, Beast God!” Ayanna's wings flared out, and her tail struck the floor, “First one who's back touches the ground loses.”

  Grim raised an eyebrow, his tail swaying back and forth faster. It had been millennia since he was challenged to a duel.

  “If I win, you train me, and if you win,” Ayanna paused trying to think of something Grim would want from her, “I’ll leave the forest for good.” Ayanna's voice trembled yet she would honor the terms.

  “You don't need to be so dramatic, Cinder would never stop begging me to go find you if I let you leave Elix Forest. How about we leave the conditions open?” Grim smiled, respecting her resolve despite knowing she would've honored her words. Plus he didn't actually want her to leave the forest, though he knew she would eventually.

  “So you agree?” A wide giddy smile crossed Ayanna's face.

  “One condition,” Grim held up his right index finger, “I know that Lich was here to assess your Essence. Kept saying as much every time Lilith wanted to fight. So you’re only allowed to use magic from the disciplines that align with your Essence. Otherwise I'll just knock you out quickly and bring you back here.” His expression softened, as he looked at her, really looked at her.

  Ayanna let out a happy school girl squeal, and her wings fluttered, her tail thrashing at the floor

  “THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!” Ayanna clasped her hands together and dropped to her knees.

  “And no being weird, get up!” Grim pulled her back to her feet, “Anyways, we’ll go to the Heart of Elix Forest, there's a small area that I use as hunting grounds, should be more than enough room.”

  — The Curator’s Notes —

  you grin first?

  The next chapter's aura is encroaching...