Perfect School

Jonah:

Evelyn was gracious once she knew it was over. She congratulated me despite being the source of her loss. Just like that the competition was over. The leaders came out and announced the winners, and how each of us had scored over all. I had won entirely, Kira had placed second.

I was happy, but a little bit regretful of it being over. Compared to this, the school was quite boring. I would have to implement changed to my team to spice things up. All in all I was pleased with my work here, and with the progress I had made with Kira.

I approached Jonah still wearing my mask. "Congratulations on your win Jonah." I wasn't talking about the competition. I had my arms folded loosely under my bust while giving a polite nod to Evelyn. Without another word I slipped back into the crowd, most of whom had started to remove their masks. I didn't stop until I had left the ballroom, settling outside where it was cooler.

Jonah:

After a time I followed Kira outside, removing my mask as I did so. “This was fun, wasn't it?” I asked her with a happy smile, sitting next to her. We would be flying back to the school tomorrow, so this was our last night here at the resort. I wanted to enjoy it.

I still had the mask on, my porcelain doll face facing the moonlight. "It wasn't bad.". I agreed softly. "I had more....more good moments here than I have had in a long time."

Jonah:

I smiled, looking at her. “All my best moments in the past ten years have been in your presence.” I commented, studying the way her skin looked in the moonlight. A doll was a prefect choice to dress her up, she very much looked the part. Adorably petite with smooth cream skin. I reached out to touch the new blond locks, unsure how I felt about it.

AT his touch I turned to look at him, searching his face. "All? I don't think all have been. Most perhaps though.". I turned my attention back to the moon above. "Things are more interesting when you are around Jonah. Not better or worse....just more interesting."

Jonah:

I grinned. “I'll take it.” I said letting her hair go. “Why don't you take off your mask?” I asked her looking at the green of her eyes, the only feature I could read on her face. Given a few more minutes and I would probably remove it myself.

I raised then dropped my shoulders in a shrug. "It doesn't bother me. In truth...it feels almost better like this. Another mask, another shield.". If he chose to remove it himself she wouldn't stop him.

Jonah:

I tilted my head slightly as I studied her, and her appearance in the dress, thoroughly enjoying it while I could. “What do you need another shield for now?” I asked, then with a crooked quirk to my lips, “Do I threaten you?”

I was silent for several long moments before saying softly, "Yes. You do. In many ways. You are better than me, and my position as Marie's favorite is tenuous at best. I am not the only one like me, but so far I am the best. You are better."

Jonah:

I was not an easily surprised person, but her words did it. I couldn't have imagined that she saw me as a real threat to her. Her natural talent was so extensive that I had to work endlessly to catch up to her. And her mention of being Marie’s favorite being tenuous. I had not ever thought to supplant her, not her. I wanted power through Marie, with possible thoughts of one day taking her place, but not Kira's. I wanted something beyond what she desired. What surprised me most was her admitting that I was better than her, as a whole, not just in one aspect.

“I owe it to you. I would never have become as good as I am today without the extensive training with you. You introduced me to it, you spoke for me. That was not something you had to do, and for that I am eternally grateful to you Kira.” I said honestly. “I do not intend to replace you in anyway. My wish is to continue to work with you as long as possible. As your equal.”

"I'm sure you would have at some point. I doubt you'd be content at your old state, especially after you went into the real world and what the assassin world brings." I replied with a small shrug. "And you will replace me one way or the other. I am not strong enough to become Marie, so my lot in life is set as hard as it may be."

Jonah:

I could see now why she saw herself as nothing more than a weapon. She lacked ambition to be anything more and body would permit her even if she did.

I stood up and offered a hand to her. “Let us enjoy our last night here. For tonight we don't have to be anything more than ourselves.” I said softly.

I looked at his hand for a long moment before taking his hand carefully. "I am always myself Jonah."

Jonah:

I laughed at that. “That's the farthest thing from the truth, Kira, you must know that.” I told her blatantly. I held her hand in mine, taking the other behind her head to grast the string of her mask. “May I?”

I tilted my head downwards to better offer the lace strings that held my mask in place, but also to hide my face after the mask was removed. "I wear masks, emtions, lack there of. It is who I am." I countered softly.

Jonah:

I relinquished her hand to hold the mask as I untied it to prevent it from falling. “I see what you mean, but no one is a shell. There are always eyes behind a mask, and all that those eyes have seen. That is who you are. And I have seen your green eyes peaking out behind your mask, at least a few times.” I set the mask aside.

I set my hands back into my lap, holding each other loosely as I felt the mask leave my face. My eyes had shut sometime while he was working and slowly I opened them up to inspect my hands. I didn't know what to say to him, though I knew he was right. I was a shell, but the inner me was something I feared.

Jonah:

I took her by the elbow. “Come on, there's a gazebo over here, out of the way.” I lead her off down a trail I had followed on one of my walks. It was tucked out of sight from the main building and lit up with soft slights along the rim. There was a round picnic table in the center. I sat down on one side and motioned for her to take the other.

I sat down across from him, finally raising my head to look at him. My face was done up just like the mask had been, a painted doll with delicate features. I took stock of our position through the corner of my eyes though my gaze never strayed far from him.

Jonah:

I sighed softly. “Always another layer.” I commented quietly, almost to myself. “I did mean it earlier, you do look very nice in that dress. You look closer to eighteen than twelve now.” I said with a small smile.

"You look very mature in your suit. Creme suits you though gold...not as well." I traced his chest with my eyes slowly before bringing them back up to his eyes. "Is it the dress or the corset you like?"

Jonah:

I chuckled. “I believe I like both.” I said with light in my eyes. “Though I must admit I am a fan of the corset.” I leaned in.

I settled my elbows on the table, letting my head rest atop the backs of my hands. "So does that make you a breast man instead of a butt man?"

Jonah:

I laughed more at that. Kira could ask anything as if she were talking about the weather. “I'm an everything on top of long legs man.” I answered in truth. Kira did not have particularly long legs due to her height. I watched her painted face with interest.