Chapter 175

Chapter 175
Ivan

“I noticed. The guards seem absolutely terrified.” I laughed with him. 
“They should be. None of them should think they’re capable of defeating her.” Boss said, growing serious. 
“I hope I’m not overstepping, but if we make her strong enough that she’s on the level with Drake, what’s the point if no one outside of you and I can beat them?” I asked him. 
“That’s part of the point. The Navi are strong. Stronger than any of the people that we have here. They’ll be training trying to get stronger but Ariya is beyond their capabilities. The only ones strong enough are us and the Enforcers. Once she reaches the right level, I’ll have the Enforcers join the fun.” Boss grinned wickedly. 
“Is that what happened with Ryker?” I asked. 
Boss smirked, “I was wondering when you were going to ask me about him.” 
My eyebrows pushed together, “What do you mean?” 
“You didn’t realize your memories aren’t really there of him? I mean I guess it has been about 9 years since you last saw him. It would make sense that your memories are faded. You trained with him for 3 years and then saw him periodically for the next 2?”
“I didn’t realize.” I said, thinking hard. 
“Ryker left your training alone but once he joined the Enforcers he broke some of those memories. He had to. None of the Enforcers' identities are public knowledge.” Boss explained. 
“Why tell me now?” I asked, confused. 
“Because, I think it’s time for Ryker to come back and help you to continue training. He’s the only one I’ve seen be stronger than you. It wouldn’t give you a break from watching Ariya though, I’m afraid. Ryker isn’t too thrilled about watching someone for a long time. Though he might make an exception since you initially trained Ariya. He’s likely to be intrigued.” Boss snickered. 
Ivan, breathe. You can’t let Boss know that Ryker coming back worries you. Ariya alerted me immediately. 
“Ryker’s coming back?” I asked. 
“Yes, he is. He’ll be training you to make sure you stay ahead of Ariya’s abilities. I figured it’d be good for more than just you and I here to be able to prevent her from escaping should she decide to try. As she gets stronger, she might become gutsy. Ariya’s always been strong without abilities, but once she learns how to truly control them, she’ll be on a level closer to Drake. I want you to train her. In the room only. Don’t leave that room without my permission.” Boss instructed. 
“Yes, sir.” 
“Oh and Justin, do try your best not to get broken by Ryker. You’re not going to be very effective watching Ariya if you do. I’ve already instructed him not to go overboard but he gets carried away. Like you, he loves a challenge.” Boss told me. 
Ivan…someone’s coming. Ariya whispered in my head. 
“I’ll do my best. How will I know it’s him?” I asked. 
“You’ll know. Oh and try not to piss him off with your 1 word answers or he will break you. I don’t care about anyone else but I am looking out for you. You are my right hand after all.” Boss cooed. 
I smirked, “I’ll try. You know I hate talking to other people.” 
“Ryker isn’t just other people. Remember that.” 
“Yes, sir.” I nodded. 
Ivan. It’s Ryker. He’s here. Ariya said and I could feel the fear come from her. 
I’m on my way. I told her trying to keep my face straight as I turned to leave. 
“Justin, before you go, we need to talk about what you saw the other day. You and Ariya.” Boss stopped me before I left. 
It took everything in me not to leave. I knew I had to stay but I needed to protect Ariya. I had to go to her. 
Ivan, I love you. It’s going to be ok. Ariya whispered. 
No, Ari. Please. Do whatever you can to protect your mind. Reach out to Drake. I love you. Come back to me. I told her. 
Ariya severed the connection and I continued staring at Boss. Waiting for him to say something. I knew better than to ask direct questions about his ability. 
“You saw that I have more than 1 ability. Both of you know about it. I am sure that Ariya has lots of questions as do you. I promised I would talk to you today about it. And we will. It unfortunately must be later today. I am working on something special for Ariya and it needs my immediate attention. This afternoon I will swing by.” 
I nodded, “You don’t owe me an explanation. Sure I’m curious but you’re the Boss.” 
Boss grinned, “True. Same as last time though, Justin. Don’t breathe a word about my ability to anyone.” 
“Understood.” 
Boss waved me away and I had to hold myself back from running to Ariya. Ryker was already here. I didn’t fully understand why. I had been trapped for only a couple minutes with Boss since Ariya told me that Ryker had arrived and was in the room. I knew better than to push a thought to her. If Ryker had hold of her already it would mean that me pushing a thought to her would get us both caught. The panic filled me and I began to worry about Ariya. I couldn’t lose her. I would die before I lost her. But I had to play it the right way. If I jumped the gun now it could be the death of both of us. But if I didn’t jump fast enough it could mean she would be taken away from me permanently. I didn’t know what to do.