Being a Master

''So? What difference would that make?'' Nedim asked.

Before Jason could answer, a waitress approached. ''Do you have any other orders? Today's specialty is the chef's chocolate cake,'' she said.

Jason smiled back at the waitress, ''No. Can I get the check?'' He said and gave the waitress a black card. Jason heard Nedim's voice protesting, while Eve was staring at the cake another waiter carrying. ''Actually, can you pack the dessert for us to take home?''

''Sure.'' Waitress smiled and left.

''You are the best master ever!'' Nedim said.

''You haven't seen anything yet darling,'' Jason said without stopping to smile. Nedim shivered for an unknown reason and rubbed his arms.

''As for your question, of course fighting and hunting are different. What we do is not fighting with honor in an arena or at a war... or not fair at all. The most perfect hunts are those in which you trap your opponent without ever fighting,'' Jason said. ''Whatever, you'll see sooner or later.''

Jason took the card from the waitress and gave the box waitress brought Nedim. As they left the restaurant, ''Do you really think I can enter the Academia?'' Nedim asked.

''Hmm... It's up to you. They give everyone a chance, as long as you're not stupid or crippled. You will probably be accepted into basic training,'' Jason said and paused. He touched his elbow remembering an old wound.

''The main thing matters is the trial you give after three months of basic training,'' Jason said. ''It would not be fair to compete with people who were brought up under completely different conditions than you, only after receiving the same training they can compare your progress.''

''How does the trial take place?'' Eve asked with curiosity.

''It changes every year. They want to see how successful you are in solidarity with other hunters and under changing conditions.'' Jason said and sighed. ''Can you read and write?''

Nedim shook his head with a sad face. Eve looked at him and said, ''I can.''

''Oh?'' Jason raised an eyebrow, ''So you can teach him,'' he said. ''Would you?''

Eve nodded and Nedim smiled happily, ''And you will teach me how to fight, right?'' Nedim said.

Jason laughed, ''I don't think so. Well, not right now at least.'' He saw a giant dog running to greet them wagging its tail. ''Hey,'' Jason said. The dog barked at him in response, then he smelled the chocolate and brought his nose closer to the box Nedim was carrying.

Nedim raised the box above his head, and the dog got up on its hind paws and tried to reach the box. Jason took the box from Nedim, ''No young lady,'' he said. ''This is bad for you.''

The dog took its tail between its legs and barked sadly. It didn't understand what Jason was saying, but it did recognize the word 'bad' and his tone of voice. ''It is okay,'' Jason said and patted its head.

The dog regained its joy and followed them up to Mansion, until a bird catches its attention. Nedim was silent and Eve, ah, she was watching around as usual, and Jason had no idea what she was thinking.

As they reached Jason's apartment, the door opened spontaneously. ''Hey,'' Daniel said. ''You're late.''

Nedim screamed and took a step back to Eve. Jason was glad he bought the cake from him, he wouldn't want it to fall and ruin. He noted in his mind that they needed to work to be more in control of his actions.

Jason glared at Daniel, ''I hope you don't make it a habit to break into my apartment,'' he said.

Daniel smirked, ''Don't worry. Ah, is this a chocolate cake or I'm daydreaming?''

Jason gave the cake to Daniel, ''I'm sure you can find the place of the plates since you consider yourself as the homeowner.''

Daniel's grin widened, he took the cake as he made a proper curtsy to invite them in. As soon as Jason entered, he noticed the monitor he was sure wasn't in his living area this morning. The children looked curiously at the monitor. For Nedim, these devices were luxurious, and Eve looked just as puzzled as he was.

Jason frowned at Daniel, Daniel did nothing but shrug his shoulders. There were two women on the screen that wearing qipao and have eastern hairstyles, one blonde and one black.

''No! I will never give up my father's revenge!'' Blonde one said. Jason realized with surprise, that the talking blonde woman was the woman he saw in the heart of the forest. What did Rajid say was her name? Nikki?

''Judging by your facial expression, you know the actress. Aren't you?'' Daniel said with a curious voice. Jason pointed to the sofa for Nedim and Eve to sit and glared at Daniel.

''Maybe I just know the show... May I ask what is the purpose of this?'' Jason answered.

''I'm doing research on shapeshifters in the city. The woman fits the description you told me. She is the so-called lion queen, isn't she?'' Daniel said while dividing the cake into plates.

Jason nodded. Daniel sighed, ''Let's eat. Then you can explain why you went to play with shapeshifters without me. Everyone talks about what happened in the temple quarter,'' he said. ''I feel cheated, you know, you should invite me if you are going to fight.''