To Spar or Not to Spar?

Edward and Bella


Author's Note:
Alright, before I forget, Bella is a vampire. There is no how, there is no why – she just is. No to mention she's with the Cullens.

I wanted to write in third person, but firstly – it didn't work, and secondly – I can't remember how anymore. How pathetic… -sigh-


Disclaimer:
I don't own them, never have and never will. Unless – someone sells them to me? I'm offering… oh… $20? And that's without exchanging it for US dollars…

--

Edward and I stood as opposite sides of the clearing, each in our fighting stance. Edward looked warily at me and I looked back with clear eyes, alert and listening carefully.

This fight would benefit neither one of us – one of the reasons why Edward was so wary. Edward wasn't able to read my thoughts and therefore couldn't tell what move I would make next. My own power also didn't benefit in this area and were of no use in combat either.

All in all though, we were pretty well matched, apart from Edward's reputation as 'fastest of the Cullens' – just like Emmett was 'Strongest of the Cullens', Rosalie was 'Most beautiful of the Cullens' and the titles go on. He was also more experienced at fighting, though I tried not to let that bother me. However, there was also the slight problem of my klutziness – something even vampirism hadn't fully cured. I had better watch my step or I would probably trip on something and Edward would have to win by default as he ran to catch me.

Edward shifted infinitesimally, reminding me of a very similar incident. I stood my ground – I wasn't going to make the first move. My best shot now was first defense and I knew that very soon, Edward was going to get impatient and attack first.

He did.

Edward shot off, faster than even I could see and I had to listen very intently. Yes, he was there – right behind me. I twisted and dashed out of the way, pushing myself backwards and watching my feet, as he lunged.

Catching himself again, we circled, him gaining on me every time. I suddenly doubled back for a few metres and then shot straight through the middle of the circle, trying to throw him out of the sequence. He stopped over on the other side and I knew I hadnt fooled him. I spun on the spot to face him as we almost danced, each trying to get closer and 'attack' as we watched for each other's mistakes.

After watching all the other Cullen family members spar, it was a thrill to finally understand the complexity and yet ease of the dance. It felt natural to watch and copy the movement as we mirrored each other's moves, defending and feinting. I copied the moves as best as I could, but I knew I'd probably make a mistake… sooner or later.

I didn't have to be Alice to know I was right.

I mis-stepped and Edward was diving forward in an instant, taking the window of opportunity. I twisted again and dove onto my side, rolling and sweeping back to my feet in one smooth movement, but Edward had moved behind me easily again.

I ducked down again with a flexibility I hadn't ever imagined and spun out of the way as he mock-struck at me, skidding to a halt at the other side. Oh, how his insane speed was getting on my nerves. I doubted I would ever get close enough to attack.

We suddenly stopped and stared at each other for a second, me grinning with triumph at what I had managed to accomplish so far and him smiling with some amusement. The dust whipped up a little after our speed of movement and the slight unnatural breeze blew my hair around. I smoothly got to my feet and turned to face him once more, as he did the same.

I leapt towards him, the first to attack, and dived past him as he sidestepped and vanished even as I crouched low and whirled warily, listening very carefully to any sound of his movements. Edward was also being very careful and I didn't hear him until he was right behind me again.

I immediately shot forward, almost running horizontally to the ground when I felt arms catch me at the other end of the clearing and gently restrain me, pulling me up while leaning down. Teeth brushed against my neck and I felt Edward's breath as he whispered.

"Game over."

I pouted and he laughed, bringing his face up from my neck and kissing me.

"That was good for your first time."

I sighed and smiled even as I leaned against him. There was so much to learn.

But that was okay. There was all the time in the world.

--


Author's Note:
Next? Will it be Alice and Bella, Jasper with Bella or who else?

(I'm hoping this doesn't drag on though…)

Sorry the fights are short – but there are only so many ways you can avoid a person (vampire) before you finally get caught.

Review!!?