Hedgesville, West Virginia
Caspian Residence
Saturday, August 17, 1996
6:43 PM

"School starts this coming Wednesday," Riley said to Rachael while drinking a cup of coffee. He was sitting at the kitchen table when Jennie stepped into the room, he looked up at her and smiled. “Hey, feeling better?”
Rachael turned from where she was washing the dishes and glanced to Jennie. “Yeah, you feel okay?”
"Suppose so," Jennie mumbled, walking to the refrigerator. She grabbed at the handle then looked over her shoulder to Riley. "Rem uses a weapon?"
"Yeah," Riley replied. "It‘s pretty common for demons to use weapons in Mid Caven. Plus you‘re taught how to use one in school"
"I see," she remarked casually, looking away briefly as if in deep thought. Glancing back to the green haired man, she sighed. “What does Rem use?”
"Two sai," Rachael said with a smile.
"Is he…good with them?"
"Well, yeah," Riley stated. "He‘s been training since he six. We‘ve all started at a young age, learning to use weapons. It‘s kind of a necessity."
"What do you use?" Jennie asked.
"Flaming daggers," he answered as he stared at Jennie. "What's with all these questions?"
"Just curious," Jennie whispered, opening the refrigerator finally. She peered inside and grabbed a small bowl that had pudding in it.
"Can I eat this?" Holding it up, she looked to Rachael who nodded. "Thanks."
"Something the matter?" Rachael questioned.
"Nah," Jennie said quietly. She took a seat at the table. Her eyes looked to Riley who sat across from her. She looked casually to Rachael. "Where are Reiyl and Kasei?"
"Backyard," Riley replied. "Like I said, we all train with weapons. Reiyl instructs Kasei."
"Oh," Jennie whispered, eating the pudding slowly. She savored the vanilla flavor as she found Rem and Nick stepping into the kitchen. Both looked at her as a reluctant look came across both their faces.
"What's wrong?" Rachael questioned, noticing the same look.
"It's nothing," Nick said, smiling casually.
"I think I'll head outside," Jennie said, standing up.
Walking to the sink, she handed the bowl to Rachael then walked past Nick and Rem. Her shoulder lightly brushed against Rem's as she looked up at him. His eyes met hers and all she could see was impassiveness.
An uneasiness pass over her as she slinked away carefully. She made her way into the living room then slipped outside into the backyard where she found the two cat demons. Her eyes fell upon Reiyl and Kasei. She stood on the porch in awe at the sight.
The older boy was holding an object that she didn’t recognize. It was obviously a weapon, but not something she had seen before. In his right hand, he held a dagger-like object that contained a second blade while in his left hand he was swinging around a very long chain.
"You‘re leaving yourself open," Reiyl stated as Jennie began to walk up toward the two brothers.
Swinging out his left arm, Reiyl threw out the chain. With a clang of metal-on-metal, the fetter wrapped around the blade of Kasei’s sword as the younger demon let out a gasp. Reiyl abruptly whipped his arm back, freeing his brother’s weapon.
Jennie watched in horror as the sword came flying at her face. She froze while she bared her teeth in fear of being struck. When she felt something lightly brush against her face, she blinked and realized the blade only grazed her cheek.
"Ow," she whispered.
"Oi, daijobu?" Kasei questioned in horror as Reiyl glanced in her direction.
"Oh, shit!" he exclaimed, dropping the chained weapon to the ground. He rushed at her and grabbed a hold of her shoulders.
Taking hold of her chin in one hand, he eyed the thin, red line that was beginning to bleed on her cheek. "Sorry…" He leaned down, licking at the cut gingerly. "Hope it doesn't leave a scar."
At the touch of his warm tongue on her cheek, Jennie stiffened up even worse than before while her whole body turned awkwardly hot. Even her heart felt like it was about to explode.
"I'm fine," she strained out, breaking free of his grasp. "It's not like I haven't been cut before."
"Yes, but a girl shouldn‘t have her face hurt," Reiyl said, walking her back inside. He looked over her shoulder briefly. "Kasei, please, bring the weapons in."
"Hai," Kasei mumbled while looking down to the ground, trying to hide the look of resentment. "Oniisan, you’re getting too close.”