I'm a lover, not a fighter. So I confess lifting from the books of Robert Ludlum, Christopher Paolini, RA Salvatore and Ninja Spirit of Shadow Warrior. Wikipedia as always has been a valuable quick source of information. Similarly, characters are from Vampire Academy Series of Richelle Mead. I can only claim my imagination and skills in plagiarism as my own for this chapter.
7. Original Tramp
I am too restless to sleep. My mind is whirling with all that transpired the night before. I had barely slept but I go out and ride my bike out of the Royal Court's ward very early in the morning, 3:30pm human time. When I find my surroundings too constricting, I shift to riding instead of running. I love the feel of the wind rushing through my face. The expanse of the landscape helps me breath, the speed in the change of scenery frees me… Whoosh! Whoosh! I need the space so my mind can go free and think of where our alliance can lead us. I wonder if they are willing to take it as far as I would. I have not talked to Tasha but I am confident she will be eager to join… Whoosh! Whoosh! I consider those who have yet to know. I fool myself if I think that my former mentor is of no importance. I can see that he has great influence on the younger guardians, as proven by Pissy-Kitty and her colleagues… Whoosh! Whoosh! I think of future enemies, both known and unknown, once we challenge the Moroi Royals. How dangerous can they be? I am not scared for myself, but how far am I willing to risk those around me?... Whoosh! Whoosh! But what scares me most is if I need to lose a part of my humanity, how much of myself do I need to give up just so I can say that all is well.
After my long ride, I get myself a quick bite then head for the guardians' gym. As agreed with Viktoria, we will meet there for our regular work out. The place is empty except for her. She is already finishing her run in the tracks and we do our stretches silently together. We then proceed to do some weights inside the gym. After a while, we look at each other and without speaking we go to the middle of the floor.
We start our posturing, walking in semi-circle to gauge each other. Based on the tattoos on her neck, I will not make the mistake to take her for granted. I intend to win this practice fight. My first reason, I want her to know that she can still learn from me; second, if she agrees to join us, there must be no doubt that she will be my subordinate.
Viktoria springs and goes near me to start engaging. I let her land some blows to test her strength and accuracy. Then I quickly change directions, successively throwing fast clean punches. I am interested to check her footwork. A flatfooted Guardian at the least, means loss of face to your fellow guardians, and at worse, loss of life during a strigoi attack.
I dodge her straight jab and, without warning, bull-rush her to drive back across the floor. Reacting fast, she slams her combined fists down on my back, almost driving me down on my knees. But almost off-balanced, she is not able to strike hard enough, so I am able to twist my upper torso to grasp her arms. Using Viktoria's own momentum against her, I pull her off her feet then quickly struck her in the kidney to bring her down. Vika ties her ankles around me, twisting, so that I fall backward. Immediately, she leaps to stand up. We grapple hand to hand. I can sense my training partner fighting with the strength and tenacity of the damned.
Guardians are by now starting to arrive for their daily training and the fierceness of the scene before them cannot be denied. The fight has turned into a serious combat. Her rage is palpable, her lips pulled back in a snarl. I will not undermine her by treating this like a usual work out. I attack lightning fast, throwing punches and kicks relentlessly without pulling back. I owe her a real fight, knowing she needs to prove to herself that she is not a mistake, that she is worth her promised mark.
When she strikes my right shoulder, my arm went numb. Viktoria is on me before I could shift my stance and protect myself. Three punches in succession sent me reeling and backing up. She is almost upon me, when I slammed my forehead hard into the bridge of her nose. Blood flows and Vika staggers backward.
I immediately move in and kick, but Viktoria absorbs it by partially deflecting it. Then she clamps her left arm against the side of my body, trapping my ankle in between. But I surprise her. Because instead of being thrown off balance, I rise up, kick with my right foot quickly following it with a hook, throwing her back against the wall. I see my opportunity and take it. I slam her with my left arm, with my right I strike as if plunging a stake through her breast down where her heart is.
"Dead!" I declare and the fight is over.
Suddenly somebody roughly pushes me off Viktoria. Still filled with adrenaline, I roll on my stomach and raise myself fast. I am about to strike back, when I see that it's Paul. He looks extremely angry and worried.
"Aunt Vika, are you hurt?"
I look at Viktoria closely, I see some bruises and a bloody nose. But aside from the bloody nose, I am sure she looks just like me, eyes fired up and exhilarated.
"Damn you Rose! Why do you have to rough her up that much? You winning over her don't mean shit coz she's been hurt. You want to prove you're a badass? Then fight me! I'm bigger and strong…."
Paul has not finished talking when I pivot clockwise. As I move past him, I suddenly straighten his shoulders, sending an open-hand slapping strike to his solar plexus. Now that I'm behind Paul, I use both my hands to secure a hold on his jacket and hair. Then I use the bottom of my foot to fold his knee in order to force him into submission. He falls hard on the floor when I finally let go, stunned.
"But with slow reflex." The voice of Instructor Hathaway emerges. "Do not insult your Aunt Vika because she can take you anytime. Size and strength do not complete a guardian."
"She's The BAD ASS, Paul! Rose has been kicking my butt since we were novices and it's no different last time we traded punches at the Academy."
Eddie shouts from the bleachers. The guardians who have only known me recently are now looking at me with a certain awe. Just for that, Eddie Castille is officially engraved on my BFF list. No magic erasers can take his name out.
A deeper voice adds. "Guardian Hathaway had beaten me during her field experience when she was just a novice, Paul. And I was her mentor."
Wow! Now I feel like bobbing my head, like one of those bubble-head dolls of NBA players.
I see him standing across the floor, surrounded by his adoring followers. Not surprisingly, pretty Kitty (but not pissy) is one of them. For the first time since I arrived, I give Dimitri a full smile... Yeah, I know I mentioned his name. So what? I'm happy! Shoot me!
"One of these days, I'll give you a chance to TRY to redeem yourself."
He laughs and counters. "We'll see Rose."
"You better be ready Comrade. We wouldn't want you to lose face with your groupies now, do we?" I wag my eyebrows, teasing him.
"Dream on Guardian Hathaway."
Hmmm... If I don't know any better, my former mentor sounds like his flirting. Well, somebody woke up at the right side of the bed.
"Guardian Hathaway!" I turn and see Vika standing, a sly smile on her face. "Everybody say you're one of the best instructor nowadays. In fact in the history, if we listen to your adoring graduates."
"Well I make them recite that litany at the break of dawn before breakfast." I cheekily say.
"Shut your trap Rose. Come on, walk the talk! So far I'm not really that impressed. I haven't fought for ages but I still got you good and hard a couple of times. So what gives, why do they call you one of the best?" Vika challenges.
Unlike my previous altercations with the Court Guardians, there's more of curiosity in Viktoria's expression than challenge. This makes me realize that these new guards have not really seen me in action. I too can point out that Eddie and Dimitri have not recently seen me in combat either. I've decided there is no better way to earn respect than the situation that Vika gifted me.
I look at each and every guardian's face in the gym. Not a single animosity etched on their faces. Every single body there waiting to be enlightened... I get to my gym bag, equip myself with fighting tools discreetly... then let Instructor Hathaway take the floor.
"If you expect to see one of the best guardians to show you her moves, then you might as well go back to the office coz my mother might be there. I have my fair share of Strigoi fights and wars, much more than the young ones here, but not as much and as epic compared to Janine Hathaway."
I see Eddie and Dimitri nodding their agreement to my show of respect to my mother.
"I do however can claim to be knowledgeable in the different styles of fighting. A few of them I am an avid practitioner. What does this mean for my novices?"
I look around for answers.
"A hodgepodge of fighting styles?" One of the guardians good-naturedly answers. A rumble of friendly laughter erupts.
"Well if you want to be the next Jackie Chan we can go over the whole bunch of fighting." I am smiling with them for a change. I am pinching myself secretly to make sure I didn't have a concussion while fighting with Vika.
"I studied under several masters and invite those who can share their skills to teach at St. Vladimir. I realize not everybody can fight like me. Obviously Paul is not me." I chide at the young Belikov earning me a roll of his eyes. "He's got the size and strength. I've got the speed and agility."
"And ass!" Some snarky guardian chimes in but shuts up when Dimitri frowns at him. Nobody tries to laugh after seeing their senior vexed.
"True, that too. I sure got the ass!" Teasingly, I turn to show my butt for emphasis.
The group laughs and some boys whistle, dissipating the seriousness in the air. Eddie and Dimitri shake their heads, apparently in disbelief that ole Rosemarie Hathaway of seven years ago is very much alive and teaching? These two obviously do not know how to maintain attention from a group of sassy, easily diverted hormonal teens.
"And I use it to my advantage! I can drop on my butt and roll out of enemy's way." And I do just that, drop on my butt, do a reverse roll while kicking an imaginary enemy with my right foot, then punch on another enemy at the same time I am jumping right side-up.
"Oooh that's smooth!" Surprisingly it is pretty Kitty who says it.
"It's a matter of studying your body, accepting it, feeling comfortable with it, then strengthening and sharpening your body, wit and heart. Do not ever forget to sharpen your brains because your body will only follow what your brain tells you, and your heart pushes you to act even if your companions are already too chicken shit to move. That's the most important lesson I barrage my novices, just what my past mentor etched on this granite head of mine."
And I wink at a smiling Eddie. I am willing to start over again with this group by acknowledging their senior officer, and hopefully they'll see beyond my badass reputation.
While the guardians are patting the shoulder of Dimitri, I notice the arrival of Tanya, Christian and Mia. I nod to acknowledge their presence but otherwise continue with my impromptu lecture.
"But that's not exactly fighting styles, right? I needed to arm my kids more to compensate their weaknesses or make use of their strengths."
And quick as a flash I throw three silver shurikens consecutively at the mannequin beside Viktoria. The guards jump back in surprise, except for Dimitri, Eddie and Vika. I am extremely please with what I observe on Viktoria. She coolly observes the 2 shurikens impaled on the forehead and the 3rd on the throat of the mannequin. She picks them off and returns them to me nonchalantly.
"These will not kill Strigois but will definitely buy you precious seconds... However..." I spin and throw a tomahawk at a wooden pole ten feet away from me, hacking the top portion off it's body. "Hopefully this will."
I look over to Tasha and company, satisfied that I am filling their minds with new possibilities.
"Of course you cannot go around carrying an ax when entering the numerous shopping malls our wards love going to. I have to go through with it with my shopping-addicted BFF when I was still guarding her."
Everybody laughs with a wince, remembering how our patience is tested every time we have to accompany our Morois on a shopping frenzy nightmare.
"But it's specially helpful out in the open." I pick up the ax on the floor and start showing basic attacks, spinning, slicing and parrying coordinating my body with the weapon while continuing my speech.
"An Indian Dhampir friend taught me and my students how the tomahawk can even be used as an extension of our arm. Quite helpful to keep the Strigois from closing in on us, where a lot of us are at a disadvantage because they are stronger. This axe is specially lethal when used by big brawny arms."
I stop and turn over the axe to Paul and the others beside him to try it out.
Then I lick my lips, pout them with a smile, and lower my voice with a slight purr...
"But my personal favorite, my own purr-sonal protection, something that I do not usually want to do without (uh-huh! I'm not above using innuendos when I teach my senior classes, and this is no different.) ... while I'm guarding..."
I pause for drama, hoping they salivate on what's coming next. I walk back to my bag, chin-up, chest out, a slight sway on my hips, fully aware of my captivated audience... Adrian might have forgotten but I am the original tramp in our group. Since mid-school I've had strings of boys hyperventilating while I pass and I needed no Elvis moves either, and I am still going strong as ever. Pure talent baby!
Retrieving from the bag one half of my dynamic duo, I exhibit my treasured sword. Taking it out from it's scabbard, the silver blade I proudly show the blade of my armor, .
"2 swords that the samurai treasured were the Katana and the Wakizashi. The wakizashi was, essentially, a shorter katana that could be wielded with one hand. Easier to camouflage, easier to wield even in enclosed spaces, I prefer the 24 foot blade of the little sister than the 40 foot blade of Katana. I pair this with our ubiquitous silver stake. Not only can this keep the Strigois at a distance, but many a times I was able to shorten the fight with them by catching their neck with this other half of my dynamic duo."
I ask for volunteers while I retrieve from my gym bag wooden replicas of my 2 silver babies. There's a bit of hesitancy among the group. It took some time before pretty Kitty, Paul, and another male guardian stand up. Well I feel flattered, if I say so myself. These guardians are not afraid to face Strigois but are wary to have a fight demonstration with me.
"Eddie! Chicken much?" I challenge while the others hoot.
My former classmate did not disappoint by immediately jumping on his feet. We all agree on using protective gears, even on the head, to avoid unnecessarily injuring ourselves. They too opt to use some sort of weapons with them.
I return the wooden sword in its scabbard and hang it securely at my back. My practice wooden stake I keep inside my holster by the right side of my hips. I stand in the middle of the floor, waiting for my "attackers".
I notice movement at the edge of my vision and sure enough, three shurikens fly toward my direction. I roll out diagonally to the left but I need not have moved for whoever threw it missed badly. I guess this is to be expected since none of my fellow combatants have practiced with such weapons.
Coming up from the roll, I set my feet and square myself to a charging guardian, aware also that two others are coming over at either side of the floor.
Still not taking out any of my weapons from their sheath, I charge ahead to my attacker to catch him off-guard, ducking the swipe of his wooden sword at the last possible instant, then came up hard behind the swishing blade, one hand catching the attacker's chin, the other snapping behind his shoulder. A twist and turn flips him on the ground while pulling out my practice stake and punching his shielded breast, putting him out of commission.
I then leap away, not wanting to get my feet tangled as two others charge in, one straight ahead, the other from behind. Out flash my sword, twirling and slicing the air keeping my attackers at bay. They easily step back out of my reach.
This time I initiate the fight. In a single bound, I cross the distance between pretty Kitty and me, my adversary at the back. Barraging pretty Kitty with a series of blows to push her back, separating us from her allies, but once in awhile I spin to protect my back from the others. I am nicely surprised with the agility of pretty Kitty she seems a natural with the sword, able to hold off my attack. But since I am faster than her, I am able to find my opening, slash my sword on her shoulders, knocking her out. Had it been a real Strigoi I would have aimed at the neck, slicing his head off. Since this is a practice fight, I can only hit at the shoulder to knock her out and have to thrust my stake to take her out of the combat. An extra step, but it still did not take that long to accomplish.
No rest for me though, I have two more to take down. I see at the edge of my vision a mannequin hurtling towards me. I roll away, but poor Kitty got hit with it since she is not allowed to move anymore. Good thing she's wearing protection on her face and body, lessening the impact. However, whoever threw the mannequin will be in big trouble later coz I hear her growl.
One thing I like about the wakizashi sword is its length. Since it's not too long for my height, I can still do my tumbles and rolls without it hindering my movement and speed, but it gives me the extra reach to attack and defend. My two remaining combatants, I think Eddie and Paul attack at the same time. I pivot and slash, then turn back to the other side to lunge at the other assailant, keeping them both at bay. They weave in and out, trying to look for an opening.
Eddie, I think, jumps and tries to kick low towards my legs. I evade him by jumping a slanted aerial cartwheel following it up with a roundhouse mid-kick catching him by his chin. Oooh! That must have hurt coz it throws Eddie hard on the floor. Have to say sorry for that later.
For now there's no time as Paul bull rush me, seeing his chance. But I am ready and definitely quicker than him. I meet him head-on. Using his momentum, I grab his arms and somersault with him backwards. He ends up on his back and I on top of him. I almost laugh when his eyes pops out with surprise, instead I throw a quick jab on his face, and with my left hand I punch the stake on his armored chest.
One more to go.
Eddie is now standing but I am not giving him a chance to recoup. I rain on him scores of heavy blows with my sword. Eddie cannot go pass my bladed arm. He's definitely fast, still there's really nothing for him to do but to dodge and kick. Finally, I catch him off-guard when I jump and spin-back delivering a hook kick catching him from behind, then I strike the falling Eddie with my sword. When he's flat on his back, I lightly tap his neck with my wooden sword.
The floor erupts to hoots and cheers. Everyone is generous with complements.
I extend my hand to Eddie to help him stand, I can't help but tease my friend. "That's 6 to 3 now Eddie. You got to have more practice fights with Belikov or you'd never be able to catch-up with me."
"Are you kidding me? I took it easy on you Rose, how else will I make you look good with this crowd." Eddie shots back snarkily.
Looking back at the other guardians, I see Dimitri clapping, his eyes glinting, smiling widely and patting the backs of those who joined the fight demonstration. I wonder if I'll get a pat too. Good job Roza! (pat. pat) Good girl! Naah, no thanks… He's now checking on Paul and Kitty for injuries. Worried much, huh!
"Belikov! Belikov! Belikov!" The guards start chanting. Pushing Dimitri to fight me. Are they kidding me? Do they really think I'm Wonder Woman? I just had 2 practice fights including the one with Victoria, I'm bushed.
"Hey, I don't think it's fair for Guardian Belikov to win over a tired opponent."
"At least you'll have your excuse for getting beaten Guardian Hathaway." He growls but his eyes are smiling.
Leaving the guardians behind, I head to Tanya, Christian and Mia.
"That was awesome Rose!" Mia runs to me and gives me a big hug.
"Think you can offer a couple of classes on weaponry for your students, Fire Crotch?"
Christian laughs and brushes off my childhood nickname for him. He is excited with what he saw and we discuss on its possibilities. We agree to meet up within the week to discuss further on this before they leave the gym. Like them, I am a staunch supporter of arming the Morois with fighting skills. Not only am I alarmed with the deteriorating human rights of the Dhampirs, but I also worry of the constant danger of the Morois are in because of their helplessness from the Strigois. After all, a good chunk of my friends are Morois.
Rejoining my fellow guardians is fun this time. There are a lot of back pats, hero-worshipping (hah! I wish…), inquiries on using certain weapons, even the identity of who I will be guarding. I notice they started calling me Rose and Guardian Hathaway with more respect. I also promised to spend time to teach them basic weaponry. I came in this morning with a lot of worries in my heart, but I am going out of this gym with my steps a lot lighter and my heart singing.
"Guardian Hathaway!" Viktoria calls. She is excited and her eyes are dancing.
"You got me. I may not know all the details yet but I'm trusting you. And I think I understand. So whatever crazy plans you and Ivashkov have up your sleeves I'm in! I accept to be one of the guardians of that Royal Floozy if the offer still stands."
I nod and wink at her. It's definitely a great day, full of promises not only for today but also for our campaign. Adrian will be delighted to learn that King Elvis now has two bootylicious Guardians. He better kick Johnny Boy's ass soon.
While I am leaving the gym, I hear somebody's footsteps in the hallway.
"Guardian Hathaway!"
I see Dimitri Belikov walking towards me.
"That was incredible skills you've shown there, it's really impressive."
"Thank you. It's nice to know that my mentor approves."
"Dazzled. Highly." He corrects.
I smile and we grow silent.
Watching him closely, he seems to be barely holding his emotions, his chest heaving and his eyes glassy. There seems to be an ongoing battle inside him. Then probably making a decision, he reaches and embraces me hard. Oh wow! This seems so out of character of the Russian, err Dimitri. Starting over Rosemarie, I remind myself.
"How could I ever thank you, Roza? It's been very difficult for us. I see Mama losing sleep, worried sick of Vika. I felt useless, I didn't know what to do. She was barely talking and been keeping to herself. It was only recently that she let Eddie bring her to the gym."
"I know Comrade, believe me I know how it is." patting his back.
"I don't know what you told her but it worked! She's living again, full of plans, whistling this morning. Laughing. It's been a long time." He is babbling.
I feel happy. Really I do. Whatever issues in the past and present are being swept away. It's nice to resume our original relationship. Because before the romantic love aspect screwed it up for us, my former mentor was my confidante. There were certain issues that I can only discuss with Dimitri Belikov and not with Lissa.
…But wrapped in the Russian's arms, I am remembering something else. Memories dead, deeply buried because I didn't feel any use for it, are stirring. I remember extreme anguish, keening endlessly for my dead husband. My mind shifts again and reminds me of feeling numb and… Then I slam it shut and shovels back fast whatever else is trying to get out of my pit!
I free myself gently but firmly extricating myself from him. I put a distance between us. It's a waste of time resurrecting the dead. I am whole and complete.
"Viktoria will be fine. I bet she's challenging Paul in there, teaching her nephew a lesson."
I can see him studying me closely, wheels turning in that sharp brain of his, but finally deciding to let it drop by nodding his head quietly. He gives me a smile, one that can charm his way not only to Kitty but to the other guardians as well.
"She's there teaching an eager Yvette how to kick my nephew's ass."
"Yvette?"
"The young brunette, the one you were ready to knock senseless in front of the Guardians' headquarters."
"Oh! The hissing Pussy!"
He raises an eyebrow but decides not to question on my chosen nickname. "Yes, her. She and Paul have been kind of close, and I guess she likes to lay him flat on his back once in awhile."
I did not say anything but he sees that there's something dancing in my mischievous imagination.
He lowers his towering frame so he can look directly to my eyes.
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
Why is this man getting nearer? Any closer and he will be invading my personal space.
"That look in your eyes negates whatever your lips are saying." He says softly.
"Well…" I snort, "…there's just this devilish idea that cropped up the last time... It's soo foolish. You don't have to know."
"I think I know but I want to hear it straight from the ass' mouth"
Ouch! "Well Kitty was defending you so much… You and Yvette seems…"
That shakes him up. Good ole cradle snatching issue will get this gorilla out of my personal space.
"She just turned 18, Rose."
"Ooops, sorry! I thought you have a certain fetish for girls under 20?" I am giggling. Ugh! It is a girly-girl giggle that is high and nervous.
"God! I can see Adrian's influence inside that brain."
Well, I'm feeling embarrassed to say the least. The man is justifiably fuming.
"For the information of your malicious brains, Eddie and I have been giving further training to Yvette and the other guardians. We felt there are a lot not suitably prepared because of the age law. And anybody willing to join, whether they're under 20 or over…"
"I get it! I do! And I promise to throttle Adrian if he ever refers to it." Crossing my heart just to appease Dimitri who is closely resembling the Impossible Hulk again.
"See to it please." His voice low and growling...
"You got my word, Comrade."
And I turn to leave before he himself acts on what I promise to do to Adrian… to me. Eeep!
"Roza!" He barks. I turn and smile, still in my let's be friends stance.
"You know very well what my type is, and it's NOT Kitty. And for your information, most recently, I definitely go for women no younger than 24." His voice is throaty and sensuous, his Russian accent stimulating raunchy imaginations. Provoking some hunger within me, it seems like my fun time with Adrian's sexy Elvis friend happened ages ago. I feel like growling.
Instead, I rolled my eyes and gave him a finger. Childish, I know but I'm now extremely irritated. That flirting he just did, does he want to have a one-night stand or something? That's insulting and disrespecting me!
Because there will always be a sore spot between him and me. This freakin' guy have never acknowledged my major role in his present Dhampir state. Not even a peep of thanks. Lissa had done it all! I have always wondered why he thinks that it's degrading to acknowledge that a junior(?), an air-head(?), a blood whore(?) saved him. But now I'm good enough for a roll in the hay? …But that's the past. As a friend-with-benefits though, he will never be.
I slam the door, muting the laughter coming from the buffoon!
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Tomahawk - a type of axe native to North America, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight haft
Shuriken - a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing; commonly known in the West as "throwing stars", "ninja stars"they are mainly used as a supplemental weapon to the more used swords
Katana sword - commonly referred to as a "samurai sword"; it has historically been associated with the samurai of feudal Japan, and has become renowned for its sharpness and cutting ability. Katana blades tended to be between 70 to 73 cm (27.6 to 28.7 in) in length, and long grip to accommodate two hands
Wakizashi sword - a traditional Japanese sword with a shōtō blade between 30 and 60 cm (12 and 24 in); it is essentially, a shorter katana that could be wielded with one hand. One of the main uses of the wakizashi was to fight indoors, where the low ceilings of feudal Japan would make use of the long katana nearly impossible.
AN: Over 5000 words…(shudder)… Hope this makes up for the long wait... Hope this doesn't put you to snooze either… How about some reviews now? I won't mind it if you lift them from some book. =p But it would be great if it's not just "Update pls!" or "Update already woman!" Haha! Kidding. Such enthusiasm tickles my fancy too.
