My Nightmare

As I stared at my friends in shock, Hellcat started laughing, and I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, along with Lina.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked Hellcat, still trying to process the sudden relief.

"I was just kidding, the boss didn't send for you," Hellcat replied, chuckling between gasps.

On hearing this, I became relieved, but I still wondered why Hellcat had to joke about that.

"That wasn't funny, Cat. You almost gave Ari a heart attack," Lina complained, shaking her head.

Hellcat glared at Lina. "It's none of your concern, Lina."

"But Lina was right, it wasn't funny," I said, smiling.

"And it's my concern, Hell," Lina replied, laying emphasis on Hell.

Hellcat scoffed.

After treating my bruises, Hellcat returned the first aid box.

"Thanks so much, Cat," I appreciated.

"It's my pleasure," Hellcat replied and pulled me out of my bed towards the door.

I furrowed my eyebrow. "Where are we going?" I asked.

"To hang out, of course," Lina replied.

"But I'm still tired," I complained.

Hellcat glared at me. "At least it's better since you've eaten. Unless you want me to bring out everything from your stomach," Hellcat threatened playfully.

I winced cutely. "But I'm too young to die, so please forgive this little girl, for she knows not what she speaks from her mouth."

We laughed together as we left my room.

"Let's go to the rooftop," Hellcat suggested. "The view is amazing at night."

Lina nodded. "Sounds perfect."

As we made our way to the rooftop, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my friends.

Their presence made the hardships bearable.

We reached the rooftop, and the cool night breeze enveloped us.

The city lights twinkled below, a breathtaking sight.

Hellcat leaned against the railing. "Feels good to relax, doesn't it?"

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, it does."

Lina smiled. "We needed this."

As we stood there, lost in the beauty of the night, I realized that sometimes.

It's the small moments that keep us going.

After our hangout, I bid my friends goodbye, returning to my room to rest.

"See you tomorrow," Hellcat called out, waving.

"Get some sleep," Lina added, smiling.

I smiled back. "You too."

As I entered my room, I felt grateful for the relaxing evening.

My friends had a way of making even the toughest days brighter.

I changed into comfortable clothes and settled into bed.

My eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

The memory of our laughter and conversations lingered.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges.

But for now, l savored the peace.

My peaceful slumber didn't last because a dark, foreboding presence crept into my dreams.

I found myself running through a twisted, never-ending maze.

Shadows chased me, their cold breath on my neck.

Suddenly, Dragon's menacing face appeared before me.

His eyes blazed with fury. "You'll never escape."

I tried to scream, but my voice was trapped.

Falcon's face flickered in the distance, calling out to me.

But his voice was muffled, unreachable.

The shadows closed in, suffocating me.

Dragon's laughter echoed, growing louder.

I jolted awake, gasping for air.

My heart pounded, sheets drenched in sweat.

Just a nightmare, I told myself, but the fear lingered.

I lay in bed, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

The darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel trapped.

I tossed and turned, unable to shake the lingering fear.

Suddenly, a faint knock echoed through my door.

"Hellcat? Lina?" I called out, hoping it was one of them.

The door creaked open, revealing Venom's silhouette.

"Ari, you okay?" he asked softly.

I hesitated, unsure of how he came here.

"Just a bad dream," I replied.

Venom stepped inside, closing the door.

"You want to talk about it?" he offered.

I shook my head, feeling vulnerable.

Venom nodded sympathetically. "Sometimes talking helps."

His unexpected kindness caught me off guard.

For a moment, I forgot about his intimidating demeanor.

"Thanks, Venom," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Venom smiled faintly. "Anytime, Ari."

He turned to leave, but paused.

"By the way, Falcon wants to see you at dawn.

Venom's words hung in the air like a challenge.

"Falcon wants to see you at dawn," he repeated.

I steeled myself, knowing what lay ahead.

More training. More pushing.

But I was ready.

Or so I thought.

"Tell him I'll be there," I said, trying to sound confident.

Venom nodded and slipped out into the night.

As the door closed, I lay back in bed, lost in my thoughts.

Why had Venom come to my room?

It was the first time he'd ever done that.

Was it concern or just duty?

I continued thinking till l fell asleep.

The next morning, I rolled out of bed, still feeling tired from the previous night's nightmare.

I stretched, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue.

A warm bath would help.

I headed to the bathroom, letting the steamy water wash away my weariness.

As I dressed, my thoughts drifted back to Venom's unexpected visit.

Why had he come to my room?

Concern or duty?

The question still lingered.

With my thoughts still swirling, I prepared for the day ahead.

Falcon's words echoed in my mind: "See you at dawn."

It was time to face whatever lay ahead.

When l was through with dressing, l left my room for the dinning. As I entered the dining room, the warm atmosphere enveloped me.

Murmurings and chatter filled the air, a welcoming melody.

Scanning the room, my eyes landed on familiar faces.

Blaze, Hellcat, Lina, Landon, and Klein sat together, laughing.

I joined them, exchanging greetings and smiles.

"Hey, guys! Long time no see," I said, taking a seat.

"Hey, Ari!" they chimed in unison.

Before digging into my meal, I turned to the guys.

"Blaze, Klein, Landon, where have you all been? Haven't seen you in a while."

Blaze shrugged. "Been busy, training and stuff."

Klein nodded. "Yeah, same here."

Landon grinned. "Just trying to stay out of trouble."

I nodded, understanding. "Fair enough."

We continued eating, our conversations flowing easily.

We shared stories, jokes, and laughter.

Hellcat teased Landon about his cooking skills.

Lina playfully rolled her eyes at Klein's terrible puns.

Blaze and I exchanged knowing glances, reminiscing about past adventures.

The warmth and camaraderie filled my heart.

These moments made the hardships bearable.

As I finished eating, l bid my friends goodbye, and headed to Falcon's training room.

The door creaked open, revealing Falcon's familiar silhouette.

He sat with his back to me, smoke drifting lazily from his cigarette.

I wondered, not for the first time, if he ever ate.

I'd rarely seen him consume anything but coffee and cigarettes, except for the time l onced served him.

"Falcon," I called out, announcing my presence.

He turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

Flicking the cigarette into a nearby bin, he rose from his seat.

Approaching me, his expression softened.

"How was your night?" he asked, his voice low.

"Fine," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"And yours?" I asked, curiosity getting the better.

Falcon nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

But his gaze intensified, boring into mine.

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Did you have a nightmare?" he asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle. I hesitated, taken aback.

How did he know? I thought.

Venom's visit flashed through my mind.

Had he told Falcon?