Smoothie Haven

The training section was really large in size; on right side of the training section, was a massive running track, while on the left side, was a building that had the words: “Combat and Weapons training”, etched on its infrastructure.

Now, behind this two training areas, was a massive dome like building that covered a wide land span. The dome building was also big enough to be seen from anywhere in the academy.

Kelvin and Carl went into the combat and weapons training building. Inside the building was a full truck load of activities. There were multiple training sections for each weapon type. There was the sword combat area, the hand to hand combat area, the archery and target practice area, and even a training section for spear users.

They went into the archery and target practice area; inside, there were a couple of target practice dummies. The dummies had a special mechanism installed, making them to move from side to side.

Ray was standing a few distances away from the dummies; he had his bow and brand new arrow, and was currently aiming with full concentration at a dummy. After acquiring a good aim of his target, Ray released the arrow.

The arrow moved with tremendous speed towards its trajectory, and pierced through the head of the dummy. After piercing through the dummy, the arrow turned in mid air, and returned back into Ray’s quiver.

“That was freaking cool dude.” Carl said, as they approached Ray.

“Thanks.” Ray said.

“How did the arrow return back to your quiver?” Kelvin asked.

“I bought the arrows along with the quiver. They are connected through a wireless sensory chip; at least that’s what the owner of the weapon shop said.” Ray answered.

“With this, I won’t be losing anymore arrows.”

“That’s really cool. By the way Ray, I found the perfect hangout spot, so we came to get you.” Carl said.

“Thanks guys; I’ve finished practicing anyway, let’s go.”

They left the training section of the academy.

“What about Nathan?” Kelvin asked.

“Don’t bother. I entered his dorm room to call him, and I saw him sleeping. I tried everything possible to wake him up; I kicked him, screamed in his ear, and even jumped on top of him, but none of that worked. It turns out, that Nathan is a heavy sleeper.” Carl answered.

“We will just have to take him another time.”

They passed through the academy’s massive gates, and were currently walking on the street. Afternoon had long passed, and the cool evening breeze was quite soothing. The sunset was gradually falling below the horizon, and people were heading back to their various homes.

They walked and took a left curve at a T-junction lane. After walking a little bit more, Carl pointed at the hangout, which was a smoothie shop called the “Smoothie Haven”. On the massive signboard of the smoothie shop, was the image of a cartoon cow, holding a smoothie drink.

They entered the shop, and unsurprisingly, there were other students chatting and enjoying their smoothies.

They were about to take their seats, when Ray spotted Nao.

“Hey, look Nao’s here.” He said.

Carl and Kelvin looked up, and sure enough, Nao was there; she was seating alone on her table, drinking her smoothie, and reading a book about ancient military warfare.

“Hmm, she seems lonely; let’s go cheer her up.” Carl said.

“I don’t really think she wants to be cheered up.” Ray added.

They walked up to Nao’s table and sat on the empty seats.

“What do you guys want?” She asked without looking up from her book.

“You seemed lonely and since we are such good friends, we came to cheer you up.” Carl replied.

“We aren’t friends; and I was perfectly fine before you guys showed up.”

“You see, she doesn’t need our help, or sympathy.” Ray said.

“Ugh, so you’re still going with the cold girl act?” Carl said to Nao.

Nao dropped her book, and looking at het facial reaction, she was clearly annoyed.

“It’s not an act; and you guys are terribly lucky that I’m not with my gun right now else, I would have blown your dumb brains out!” Nao retorted.

“I guess we’re lucky.” Ray said.

“Please can we have a smoothie?” Carl said, gesturing for the smoothie haven shop owner to come over.

“What can I get for you?” She asked, with a smile.

“We would like to have the same type of smoothie our “friend” here is having.” Carl said, pointing at Nao’s banana smoothie.

“Okay that’s it! I can’t take this anymore!!” Nao said, as she stood up.

“I’m sorry; please how much for the smoothie? I would like to pay and leave.” Nao said to the shop owner.

“But you haven’t even finished your smoothie yet. And the store policy states that all customers must finish their smoothies before leaving.” The smoothie shop owner replied back.

“You can’t be serious! What kind of store policy is that?!” Nao asked.

“Okay, that’s fine; but can I at least get a different table?”

“I would have given you a different table, but as you can see, there’s no free table.” The shop owner replied.

Nao looked around the smoothie shop, and sure enough, all the tables were occupied. Left with no other choice, Nao angrily sat down.

The shop owner then left to get their banana flavored smoothies ready.

“I guess you’re stuck with us Nao.” Carl said mockingly.

Nao got annoyed, causing the both of them to engage in a full blown argument about friendship and personal spaces. Ray also joined in the argument to support Carl. Kelvin however, was quite. He was both disturbed and conflicted about what happened earlier in the day.

A little while later, the smoothie shop owner returned with their smoothies.

“Here are your banana smoothies.” The shop owner said, as she served them.

They all took their smoothies, and took a sip from it. In all honesty, the smoothie was good. Just like the name of the shop implies, it felt as though they had just entered a smoothie safe haven.

The bickering between the three had calmed down to a somewhat normal conversation.

“I thought that you’d be drinking your smoothie faster, so that you can leave.” Ray asked Nao.

“I would have, but this smoothie is so good; so I want to savor the taste.” Nao replied.

“The smoothie is not just good; it tastes like heaven. I feel as though my tongue has finally found its prince charming.” Carl added.

After that, they all drank quietly.