by Cici Wickens
“You will be there soon.” He said.
“Why did you call us imbeciles?” Minerva argued. “Your job is to train us, not play hide and seek!”
He raised his bushy gray eyebrows. “Any ideas?” He looked at each of us expectantly. No one answered.
“Whatever mission you embark on, you should remember that the world is out to get you. You must think outside the box you have created for yourselves. Expect the unexpected. See the unseen. When you walked into this gym, you automatically assumed that I would be here, waiting on you hand and foot, and you see where that got you all. If I would not have stopped you, you would have all missed a day of training.” He clasped his hands. “From the moment you all walked in, I could have easily killed each and every one of you. You would have never saw it coming, and you would have never known who did it. You came here unprepared. The first thing you should do whenever you go somewhere is take in your surroundings. One small detail could save your life. I admire that you did decide to search, and in your designated groups might I add. But there was still something you all failed to do.” He let us fill in the blanks.
“We never looked up.” Jen squeaked. She was still recovering.
“Exactly. You all assumed that an old man like myself would never do something as inhuman as climbing onto the highest rafters in this building. No one would. But I assure you, within a very short time period on your mission, you will find out that looks can be deceiving. There is more to just learning how to use a weapon in preparations for your journey. Weapons do not give you wisdom, they cannot give you strength, they will not bless you with tracking abilities, and they certainly are not able to give you sight. If you do not believe you can fight without a weapon, then you should put yours back. You need more than weapons. And that is why today, we will not be using them.”
He looked as if he had completed his speech, but we were still clueless as to what he wanted us to do. “So…” Cam trailed off.
“Hand-to-hand combat is what we will practice next.”
My eyes widen and my heart flutters, but not in a good way. “I don’t think this is the best idea.” Physical contact is something I’m completely unprepared for.
“You mean like…punching each other?” Jen looked positively frightened.
Thomas and Ron grinned. “About time.”
“We haven’t even learned any fighting techniques!” Minerva exclaimed.
“I want to get a feel for what all of you know and go from there. Oh, and you may not use your abilities.” Cato explained. “The pairings are as follows: Iris and Blaze. Cam and Thomas. Minerva and Jen. And Ron and Blaze.”
“Why do I have to go twice?” Blaze asked.
I wave him off. “Because you won’t get much from me.”
Cato nodded like I had taken the words from his mouth. I frown.
We all swallowed and looked from one to the other, as if to say we were sorry for what was to come. All the while, I was trying to breathe. Why did he pair me with Blaze of all people? I’ve never fought before in my life. Why do we have to fight each other anyways? Can’t we just hit a punching bag?
Jen raised her hand. “How do we say that we give up?”
“Giving up is not an option. And do not think you will be getting off easy if you give me a reason to think that you did not give it your all. It would be selfish, seeing as it would keep your partner from fighting to his or her full potential. But I ask that those of you who are stronger show restraint for the time being. Only two of you have the ability to heal after all.” Cato said, looking pointedly at me and Cam.
“If we can’t give up, then how do we know when we can stop?” Jen pressed.
“I will let you know when I have seen enough.” That’s reassuring. “Once you all put on your protective gear, I want first fighters on the mat.” He ordered.
I put on my gear almost mechanically. Arm guards. Shin guards. Head guard. They felt uncomfortable and stiff but would likely work wonders in protecting me.
Blaze, having finished first, padded over to the mat and took his place. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes. I knew this wouldn’t end well. I distantly heard Cato shout my name, and my legs started moving towards the mat. It’s cold against my bare feet.
I’m unsure of what to do with my hands. Or my feet for that matter. I remember that Minerva and Blaze had taken a year of karate. I try to recall any weaknesses that I may have noticed during our weeks of training together. He’s in my group after all. Actually, we’re all paired against people from our own group. That must be the point of this exercise. Cato wanted to see if we recognized our comrade’s strengths and weaknesses. Only thing is, I’m having trouble focusing enough to think straight.
Blaze made the first move. He faked a right jab to my stomach and swung with his left, popping me in the side of the head. My ears rang. That’s right. He’s a lefty, I think while stumbling backwards. Blaze kicked my feet from beneath me, knocking me flat on my butt. Pain shot up my back. I wish we had tailbone guards.
I quickly realize that Blaze knew all my weaknesses. I am unable to gain any ground, and he was an avid dodger, as if he knew what I was going to do next. I can tell he was taking it easy on me though. He was the stronger fighter after all.
I take a sloppy swing towards Blaze, my frustration getting the best of me. He easily dodged it, just as he had all the others. My body is pulled forward with the momentum, and before I can stop him, Blaze grabbed my arms and pinned them behind my back. I struggle to break free, but his grip is solid. Probably a karate hold. I’m grateful when Cato ended the fight. If you could even call it that.
I sulk over to a bench and sit down, embarrassed that everyone had to see that. I’m even weaker than I thought. I felt like I had been making progress, but I absolutely sucked at combat skills. And those are what I needed the most. Maybe I’ll do better in ability training, whenever that’d be. So far, he hadn’t mentioned anything about it and I had thought that’s why he agreed to train us in the first place.
Cato called the next fighters to the mat.
Blaze walked over and handed me a bottle of water. I avoid meeting his eyes as I take it. “Thanks.” I manage.
“No problem.” He sat down next to me and took a swig of his water. “You’ll get better, you know.”
I give him a look. “Says the one who did great.”
“Well, I wasn’t always this great. Besides, you’ll probably kick all of our asses when we start the ability stuff.” Blaze confessed.
That makes me smile. “Bring on the ability training then.”
“Let’s go watch this match. I’m betting on Thomas, but don’t tell him I said that.” Blaze said.
We both stand on either side of Ron, who was offering commentary on the match. “Thomas always has a killer right hook, and it usually comes out of nowhere.” He bit his knuckle.
I wince as Cam punched him in the side. Thomas grunted from the force but pressed on. They were a pretty decent pairing. Cam struck at his head, but Thomas was ready and swiftly ducked. And then Cam was sprawled out on the mat, out cold. I hadn’t even seen him swing.
“See? There it went.” Ron shook his head. “Didn’t stand a chance.”
There were a few gasps, and my mouth falls open. Even Cato looked alarm, yanking on his beard.
“Ohmigosh!” Jen exclaimed. “Is he dead?”
Thomas held up his hands, looking apologetic. “I didn’t mean to man!”
“I don’t think he can hear you.” Minerva retorted.
“Thomas can actually fight. Good to know.” Blaze stated.
I rush forward, free from the shock. I’m relieved to find that he still has a pulse. “He’s not dead.” I tell everyone.
“I just knocked him out.” Thomas defended.
“Will you give me a hand?” I ask, trying to pull Cam’s heavy body off the mat. I was a little grateful that my match wasn’t the most embarrassing one of the day.
“Alright. Next match.” Cato announced.
“Shouldn’t we take him to the hospital?” I ask worriedly.
“He will wake up eventually. I am not sure how we would explain ourselves anyhow.” Cato responded shortly.
I pull off Cam’s headguard, and my cheeks flush for some reason. Strands of dark hair fell over his eyes. I gently push them back. He looked rather endearing while he was sleeping…or knocked out. And then, one of the worst things that could’ve happened happens. A smile grew on his lips. I had forgotten that he could heal like me.
I yank my hand back, mortified.
“How long have you been waiting to do that?” He opened his bright green eyes and sat up with a slight cringe.
I just look away, unable to respond.
“You gotta’ come see this!” Ron yelled at me.
I had intended to use that as my excuse to escape, but Cam insisted that he wanted to watch too. He stood up, tottering slightly, and we made our way over to the others.
Thomas held out his hand to Cam. “No hard feelings?”
Cam shook it. “Course not. Next time I’ll know to look out for that right hook.”
“Good luck trying to spot it.” Thomas said with a grin.
Blaze elbowed me in the side. “Who do you think’s gonna’ win?” He asked.
I shrug, honestly not sure. “Minerva’s stronger, but I think Jen can scrap. You?”
“My bet’s on my sister. She whooped my ass one time when she caught me trying to sneak out under her watch. That’s all it took. I never thought about doing it again.” He muttered disdainfully.
A few minutes into observing the brawl, and I realize that they were completely different, yet compatible at the same time. Both girls get in plenty of hits and kicks. It was a pretty even fight. “Minerva’s so graceful.” I tell Blaze. “Jen...well, she’s like a street-fighter.” As if to emphasize the point, Jen leapt onto Minerva’s back and started choking her with her arms.
“You got the street part right.” Blaze said, hand on his chin, deep in the show.
“That’s my girl.” Ron said in awe.
Eventually Jen’s asthma started acting up, leaving Cato no choice but to end the match. Her cheeks were red, and her hair was frizzy, glasses askew. Minerva’s sleeve was ripped, and her hair was no longer in a ponytail. She looked like she had been in a tornado.
“Alright. That was interesting.” Cato announced. “Ron, Blaze, you two are up.”
They stood on the mat, circling one another. Suddenly, Ron stopped and held out his hand. “No hard feelings man?”
Blaze huffed but took it nonetheless. “Let’s get on with—”
Ron twisted his wrist and pulled Blaze forward. A couple of us laugh at Ron’s attempt to make the fight more light-hearted.
Blaze lost his balance and fell onto his hands and knees though. He grabbed ahold of Ron’s leg and yanked him to the ground. Blaze clipped him in the jaw, fighting to keep him down. His eyes burned with anger as he delivered another blow. Ron’s eyes were wide, registering that Blaze didn’t appreciate the joke. He was able to mostly defend himself from the blows, but he couldn’t land a hit on Blaze.
I could tell that this fight was getting personal. “Stop it you two!” I yell. The room fell silent.
Blaze’s fist paused in midair, and Ron shoved him away, muttering about how crazy he was. Minerva walked onto the mat to calm her brother down, but he stormed off before she could get near him. I jump as the gym doors slammed shut.
Cato looked at me and Ron expectantly, as if it were our job to console him.
“No way.” I say, already shaking my head. Blaze scared me when he got like this. It’d be better if we just left him alone and let him cool off.
“You’re trying to get me killed old man.” Ron accused.
“GO.” Cato commanded sternly.
I pick up a bottle of water, thinking about the way he comforted me after my fight, and started walking towards the exit. Ron followed behind me. We find him sitting against the wall with his hands folded over his knees. He looked up at me, then at Ron, and scowled.
I hesitantly hold out the bottle. “You’ll get better, you know.” I say with a small grin, silently referring to his anger problems.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you man. It was just supposed to be a joke.” Ron apologized.
“I’m not embarrassed.” Blaze snapped.
“Yeah, and that’s why you’re blushing.” I tease knowingly.
He rolled his eyes. “This is stupid. Let’s go back in.”
Ron helped him up and said, “The team’s back together again.”
I notice a ghost of a smile on Blaze’s face as we make our way back inside. I’m glad that Cato made us come out here to console him.
“Alright. Class is dismissed.” Cato announced, closing his notepad.
“Well that was pointless.” Blaze quipped.
Chapter 54
This Is the End
Iris
“Do you have anything planned for today?” Cam asked me, sitting down beside me on the couch.
I sigh, none too pleased that on the day Cato finally let us rest, Trace decided to schedule a last hoo-rah of a practice. “I’ve got to meet with Trace this afternoon.”
“And who is that again?”
“My coach. Remember the guy you met at the lake?”
Cam seemed relieved. “Oh, that guy.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But besides that, you’re free?”
I lift my shoulders. “Pretty much.”
“Good. I’ve got something to show you.” He said.
I watch him closely. “What is it?”
He gave me his signature smile, which caused my heart to skip a beat like usual. “A surprise. Come on.” He stood up, leading me outside.
He brought me to the small garden beneath my balcony. There was a stone table in the center of it, where a fresh bouquet of bright red roses lay. I feel my cheeks warm, and I pick up the roses to inhale their sugary fragrance. “How sweet.”
“I know.” For once, he gave me a full smile, and it made me go weak in the knees. He sat down on the bench and patted the spot beside him. I sit down and turn towards him, although I can’t meet his eyes. “I saw these the other day, and I knew that I had to get them for you.”
I raise my eyebrow as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. My heart rate speeds up, growing so loud that he can probably hear it. I struggle to say something, but I’m at a loss for words.
He placed the box in front of me. “Open it.”
I lay the flowers across my lap and reach for the box with a shaky hand. I glance at Cam, who’s watching me intently, before untying the ribbon. I open the box and stare down at a gorgeous pair of sparkling diamond earrings. I gasp, utterly shocked at the gift. “This is too much…”
“You don’t like them?” He asked, though it sounded similar to a statement.
“No, I love them! It’s just…”
“Don’t worry about the price. Your reaction was worth it.”
I focus on breathing as I put the earrings on.
“There. You look beautiful.” He said.
“Thank you.” I say, meeting his eyes. I am surprised that they are a calming blue, instead of the bright green I had expected.
He grasped my chin and gently pressed his lips to mine. I kiss him back, closing the distance between us and losing myself in the warmth of the kiss. I run my fingers through his dark silky hair, glad to find that it was just as soft as I had imagined. I feel a faint spark and jump back in astonishment, pressing my fingertips to my lips.
“You felt that too?” He asked, just as shocked as I am. There was a slight flush across his cheeks, and his hair was tousled.
“Yeah…I don’t know what happened.”
We sit in silence for a few moments, wondering what to do next. I can’t believe that just happened. The kiss had been perfect. But the spark that we had both felt left me perplexed. It must mean something.
Cam grabbed my hand and p
ulled me up. My skin tingles at our proximity. “Wanna go watch TV before you have to train?” He seemed to brush off the weird incident. I guess I’ll do the same.
“Sure.” I say, smiling at our intertwined hands.
✽ ✽ ✽
I decided to arrive at the lake a little early and get warmed up since I haven’t practiced in the water for a while. Trace isn’t here yet, but he still has several minutes before he’ll be late.
I walk along the shallow part of the lake, in an attempt to get a feel for the water, but my mind kept going back to the kiss that Cam and I shared earlier.
I wrap my arms around me as a numbing cold suddenly seeps into my bones. I shiver and glance around, remembering what Trace had told me.
My senses kick in, and I pick up a foul odor. My ears zone in on the sound of wet breathing. My body locks up in fright as a breeze whips through the air. Something’s out here. I turn towards the woods that surround the lake, skimming the area with my eyes as best as I can. And then I feel a warm breath on my shoulders.
I spin around, tripping in the water. My eyes fall upon the most vile and disgusting creature I’ve ever seen. I let out a loud scream, terror seizing me.
Bleak soulless eyes that were sunken into puckered flesh glare back at me. The smell of rotting fish overwhelms me, making my nose burn. I recognize the creature as a Spiritseeker. The last one of the trio Caesar had sent after me. It had finally found me. Minerva’s drawing hadn’t given it justice. It took a deep breath, as if inhaling my scent. It squeezed its eyes shut, causing a milky puss to ooze out from the corner of them. I tremble, unable to move as it reached its stubbed fingers towards me. The suction cups latch onto my arm, lifting me up with little effort. My eyes fill with tears as I see the millions of teeth that line its mouth.
The Spiritseeker let out an ear-piercing cry, emitting a white fog from its mouth. I try holding my breath, but inhale trace amounts of it. My limbs grow heavy, and tiny black spots start to dot my vision. Soon, I’m paralyzed completely. I feel a dull tug and get the feeling that the Spiritseeker was pulling me from my body. My energy wains, and I begin to have difficulty forming coherent thoughts. This is…it. It was all…for nothing, I think as my heartbeat slows, and the darkness engulfs me.