with no one to impress }} xaa.leo

Day in and day out we dragged our bodies into the training center. Some of us making the most of their time grinding away at the stations. Others busy pretending for social media that they were intensely training and making friends. Then there was me, watching everyone like a hawk. Observing and taking mental notes on who was good at what. Who did not have any experience. Who would be a threat or could potentially cause damage. There were not all too many of the latter, Larissa maybe. The blond bitch would eventually meet her demise.

I’ve exchanged words and punches with multiple tributes over the last few days. It may have not looked like I was doing anything significant to the untrained eye, but my actions were of utmost importance. Human behavior is a curious thing and can be predicted by observing one long enough. Some would argue that you never know what you would do in a life-or-death situation. I call bullshit, you can tell from someone’s past behavior if they are going to choose flight or fight. You can tell who has what it takes to survive and who will hide and cower. Being able to tell the difference is essential when holding a position of power.

What I sold back at home did not come cheap. There were always times when people could not pay what they owed, or sometimes they felt entitled. Now junkie Xaahira always had a large pool of creative ways to make someone pay. It all just came down to the type of person. A key reason I always observed the dance floor from above and never within. Now I am stuck in the middle of the mayhem, but my philosophies stay the same. Observing will do me a lot more good than practicing.
My senses have sharpened since being off of the drugs. I am able to take in a lot more all at once than when everything was impaired by the sensory overload I lived for. A voice clear as day spoke at me questioning my motives for standing around.

If the girl from nine was assuming that I was a jack of all training center trades, then my act must be working. My stoic face, smiled at the indicator of a successful lie. Well, was it even really a lie if I never spoke the words myself? I am a career, four words that everyone just assumed, never escaped my lips. A combination of their naivety and my intense demeanor sold the show.

"Knowledge is power, my dear. I assume you agree?" I turned to face her. Her self-assurance, the way she commanded the room, it amuses me. She holds herself like businesswoman who was ready to bargain. I shook her hand. She’s earned it.

"Xaahira Mahdavi, district one. Now tell me, love, what do you want? Everyone always wants something, but more importantly, what can you offer in return?"  A cunning smile matches her wide grin.

Business goes both ways darling.


                                            Table credits: Dars