A/N: This chapter is told from Andi's POV, mostly. Little rows of x's mark shifts in POV. It's a short chapter, but the next few probably will be, since I'm short on composing time.

Disclaimer: "Try to figure me out; you never can." 1

Learning to Breathe

Chapter ten: All I Am

I was royally pissed.

Yeah, I guess the whole yelling thing was my fault, but wanting to fight me for it might be a bit much. Who does this guy think he is anyway? My parent? Let the others believe what they want to, nobody is taking over my life without my permission.

Unpack. Yeah, that's easy enough. I just brought my escape bag, containing only the basics. Now if only I could find the dormitories… Wait! There's a person!

"Hey! Can you tell me where the dormitories are?"

He stared at me for a full ten seconds before "That way, pass one corridor, take two rights." Pointing in the direction I had just come from.

"Thank you." I growled, turning back around. That's great, just great.

After gaining some information from Reg and depositing my stuff in my room (my own room! No roomies!), I waited outside for Zartan. I didn't have to wait very long.

"This way." He snarled. I glared back and fell into step next to him. We walked in silence for about five minutes before reaching the room.

Inside the workout center consisted of a treadclimber, several sets of barbells, a punching bag, and various other kinds of equipment strewn about the perimeter. The center of the room housed a square mat—perfect for hand-to-hand training. No one was around when we entered, which was okay. I'm rather done with performing for audiences.

"Certainly don't beat around the bush much, do you?" I inquired.

"There seemed no need to." He replied. "You had your mind made up already. Now, step into the center."

"Fine." I grumbled. Although I wasn't sure what I was getting in to, I obeyed. Momma didn't raise no chicken.

He cut right to the point. Usually, an opponent will circle and size up, giving me a chance to form a strategy. But not here. Zartan flew straight at me with a right jab that caught me completely off guard and sent me flying a good three feet. Then he tried to pin me, but I was ready this time. I rolled out of the way and onto my feet. Bracing for the next blow, I held my ground as he came back at me. He tried to kick me in the jaw, but that didn't quite work. I dropped to the ground and rolled to my left. Sensing him landing on the mat (and recognizing that I was still in mid-dodge), I changed my momentum and kicked him behind the knees. He fell down and I got back on two legs again.

"Why are we doing this?" I panted in between hits. I was getting sore, but also knew that he was holding back.

"You wanted to fight." He said. "I thought you would appreciate this."

Gee, whatever gave you that idea?

I growled and dodged another kick. Damn, this guy was good. It took me a full five minutes to get a hit in, and even that didn't quite work. I tried to land a punch, but he ducked and followed through with his right arm. Honestly, I should have seen it coming. I then rolled back to my feet and ran to my left. He just stood there. I took my opportunity to catch a breath.

"Your combat needs a lot of work." He commented.

In hindsight, I should have known better. He would have heard my footsteps. But instead, I ran at him from behind. When I jumped to kick with my right, he grabbed my foot and threw me to the ground. With my right foot down, I kneed him with my left and managed to crawl out. Guy doesn't look heavy, but it's a whole different story when he's on top of you. After we were both on our feet again, I was ready to quit. Of course, I would never tell anyone that. That would be admitting defeat, and I am no-one's trophy.

He expected me to tackle him, and by the way I was running, I can't blame him. That was to my advantage. Gaining a fair bit of ground from the takeoff, I landed a roundhouse kick right to his jaw. It was beautiful, if I say so myself.

XXXXXXX

"Enough!" Maybe I shouldn't have tried to shout that. My jaw feels like it's out of joint. She's no Jackie Chan, but she has some potential.

She stared at me blankly before saying "huh."

"That's enough." I repeated. "You get the point now, don't you?"

"What point?"

Either she's playing difficult on purpose, or she really didn't learn. Hard to say.

"You know what, kid. Against someone your age, you're great; but against someone with more than ten years experience you don't stand much of a chance." I explained. "From now on, when I tell you to do something, you had better respond. Got it?"

"Yes sir." Andi mumbled.

"Good. Now why don't you go wash up?" I offered. She glanced at the floor before walking out of the room. There may be some hope for this team yet.