Dean POV
A loud clang rings through the room. Dean presses forward. Isobel's arms shake as she tries not to fold. She moves her sword to the side. He disengages his blade to prevent being disarmed. Isobel immediately makes use of the opportunity and attacks him again. Another loud clang sounds through the room as their blades connect.
He holds his arms steady as he pushes back against the strike even as Isobel presses forward. He moves his leg forward and hooks it behind her leg. He pulls his foot forward. Isobel topples back as her balance breaks. She falls back onto the ground with a soft groan. He would have liked to help her where he not to lose their match then. With her on the ground, he puts his blade to her neck.
"I surrender."
He nods and puts the tip of his blade to the ground. Isobel places her sword down. Then he reaches forward and pulls her up. A smile grows on his face.
"It was a good match. You've gotten better."
"I know. I just feel as if there's a difference between us."
"Because of your mundane heritage?"
"Maybe, I'm not sure. I feel like I'm stronger than you but it doesn't make any sense."
"Oh, physically you're stronger than me as you're a boy but I'm faster than you as I'm lighter."
Isobel grins at him. A twinkle is visible in her eyes and he grins back. So she's moving in that direction. He's sure to enjoy it.
"Shall we test your theory then?"
"Of course, it'll be good practice for your upcoming test."
"Great."
"Well, come on then."
Isobel grins brightly and hurries out of the room. He rushes after her already knowing where they're going. To the scouting training area in the basement of this institute. Not something too far away from here to be honest. But still, some distance away that it'll take them a few minutes to get there. And also merely two doors removed. As he runs, he quickly overtakes her and turns around. Suddenly, he is thrown to the ground.
"Pay attention to your surroundings, idiot!"
He growls, springs up, and runs after her. He won't be bested by her. As he runs, he sees her approaching their destination. Taking a deep breath, he increases his speed. He'll get there first. Nearing the door, he reaches forward to grasp the handle when the door swings open before him. He pushes his feet into the ground and sways a bit. After a small balancing act, he stands steady once more.
He glances around trying to find Isobel. He doesn't find her for a few moments until he sees her standing next to the door shaking with laughter. He narrows her eyes.
"What! What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing. You just looked so funny when you were trying not to fall."
Her smile grows as his eyes narrow even more. He can see her shoulders shaking once more. If only slightly. He crosses his hands over his chest and taps his foot. He wants her to stop. And there's only one way he can think of to achieve this.
"Shall we continue?"
"With you falling? I could watch it all the time."
"No, idiot, with testing your theory."
"Of course, come on. Can't wait to beat you."
"We'll see about that."
He takes a deep breath and walks towards the training track. He looks up and sees how they'll be moving around. Over beams, jumping from one beam to the next, swinging, and much more. He waits for Isobel to arrive before taking his place at the starting point. He looks to the side and sees Isobel holding up three fingers.
"Three. Two. One. Go!"
He runs forward through the track without looking back. Looking back would be stupid right now. He hears Isobel moving behind and sees her before him at times. Nevertheless, he pays no more attention to her than absolutely necessary. He jumps up on one of the beams and hurries over it. While hurrying, he is careful not to fall off the beam. There are only safety mats beneath it and he does not want to experience the indignity of falling off.
Within ten minutes, he reaches the end of the track and looks around. Isobel's struggling on one of the beams which seems to be moving. He crooks his head. He hasn't seen or noticed any moving beams before. At least, he doesn't remember it. And since when do the6 have moving beams here. For what reason? The ones he remembers will be useful for going over roofs and moving seamlessly through a place.
Suddenly a scream pierces through the room. He looks around and sees Isobel falling to the ground. He runs forward to catch her and reaches her only seconds before she hits the ground. Everything blacks out.
Before him, everything's hazy and shimmers. A heavy weight rests on his chest and moves around. He can barely breathe. He moves his head from side to side trying to get his bearing and breath back. It doesn't help at all. Suddenly, the weight on his chest moves around once more before it disappears completely.
"…an? Yo..ight? Dean? You're alright?"
"Mhh."
"Wait here, I'll get a trainer."
"No, don't leave."
"You're awake!"
A shape shimmers before his eyes. The haziness and shimmering have already lessened a bit. It allows him to see the shape's Isobel. Or what he thinks is her shape. He doesn't remember anyone else being around who could have landed on him. With the haziness slowly going away, he sees Isobel looking at him worriedly with ever-increasing clarity. He smiles to reassure her which only increases her frown. It has him speaking up to remove the frown from her face.
"I'm fine. Just let me catch my breath."
"Of course. Thanks for breaking my fall. You didn't have to do that."
"It was the right thing to do."
"Maybe, but I wouldn't have broken anything. The mats would have ensured that."
"Mhh."
He pushes himself into an upright position and tries to stand up. A hand touches his arms and assists him in getting up. He looks to the side and smiles at Isobel. She smiles back before looking to the side of the room.
"Let's go to the side so you can rest."
He nods and she puts his arm over her shoulder and grabs his side. Only then do they slowly move to the side of the room. He tries to free himself only for the grip to tighten and he gives up easily enough. The benches grow in size before him as well as the paintings on the wall. As they reach the benches, Isobel guides him down on one of them before sitting next to him. Silence falls between them for a while before Isobel breaks it.
"Well, you've certainly proven me wrong."
"That I did."
"Mhh, then let's enjoy this break then. You need it to keep up with me."
"Oh, I'm not so sure about that. But sure, let's enjoy it."
Silence falls between them once more. He glances at Isobel to see if he should say something. Just then, he catches her eyes. Her eyes widen and she quickly looks away. As for Dean, his face heats up and he also quickly turns away. He puts his fist on his chest in an effort to slow his fast-beating heart down. At the same time, he takes deep breaths. His heart skips a beat when Isobel's voice reaches his ears.
"Dean? You know you're really brave for staying loyal to your family even when you're far away from them."
"Yeah, so what. It's only normal."
"For you maybe but not for everyone. I wouldn't have the courage to do it. Hopefully, you'll show me how to do that."
"Maybe. I like the family you've got. Siblings, parents, and even grandparents. You've got everyone you need around you. Everyone cares about each other. It's like a perfect life."
"You've got no idea. My siblings can be highly annoying. Noah especially whenever he's got his nose stuck in a book. And my dad? Well, let's not even begin about him."
"All siblings are annoying at times. Noah sounds a bit like Sammy."
"Really?"
"Well, Sammy's completely focused on school which is a waste of time if you ask me. There are far more important things to do with one's time."
"Well, school's not something to ignore but I agree there are always other things one can do with their time."
He smiles at Isobel and receives a smile in return. His face heats up but he's unable to look away. His stomach begins to flitter and he bites his lips. Isobel does not seem affected at all nor notices how he feels. Something he's glad for. She's not to know. As such he takes a deep breath and decides to change the topic of their conversation.
"I know. So what's with your grandfather? You didn't mention him before. That's Benjamin right?"
"Yes, well I get along with him most of the time except whenever I'm not doing what he wants. Then he gets really annoying and I try to put distance between us."
"So?"
"So, I want to make my own choices. None will tell me what to do. None."
"There are times when that's impossible. Especially when it concerns family."
"I don't care."
"So you'd start a fight with your family because of something so insignificant?"
"It's not insignificant! I have my plans for the future which my father doesn't approve of. Grandfather isn't too happy about it and continually tries to change my mind. But he at least accepts my decision."
"And what's so difficult about accepting that."
"You've got no idea."
"I got a good idea as I also can't make my decisions. I've got to listen to my dad. I've got to. And I've got to take care of Sammy."
"Your brothers shouldn't be your concern. It should be your father. He should care for both of you and not push such a duty on a child."
"I don't mind."
"Yeah, because you don't know better. And you haven't tried to make your own decisions at all?"
"A few times some important one's but I've always returned to my family. It's where I belong."
"And you accept that? They don't own you. You're not beholden to them."
"They're all I've got."
"You're so attached to them. I mean it. There's more you've got than just your family. Us now too."
"I don't belong here so I've got to disagree. My family's all I've got."
Isobel stares at him but thankfully doesn't say anything at all. Her eyes show her disbelief. At least that's what he calls it. Disbelief. It can't be anything else. He's got no idea how their conversation got so out of control. Nevertheless, he's not backing down. He stares right back at her.
February 1996
Blades clash as Dean and Isobel lock their blades while pushing against each other. He tries to break her balance. Isobel tries the same thing with him. Disengaging the lock, Dean moves to strike her side. Isobel moves her blade to intercept the strike. Moments before Isobel's blade can meet Dean's, Isobel hisses as the blade hits her side hard.
Dean moves back and holds his blade defensively. It's her time to make the next move now. And besides, it's not as if this is a fight for their lives. No, it's a simple training spar. He watches as Isobel holds a hand to her side and breathes harshly. He waits for her to catch her breath. It takes a while so he lowers his blade and glances around the room. A few trainees are whispering to each other on the side.
A swoosh of air has him turning back towards Isobel's latest place. His eyes widen as he sees a blade coming toward him. Moving his head to the side, he moves his blade up. His blade strikes Isobel's hands. The blade is knocked out of her hands and flies through the room. A few trainees jump to the side. They narrowly escaped being hit by the blade. Then it falls to the ground with a loud cling.
Isobel's hands come up towards him and grasp his wrists. He pushes his knee up and forces the air out of her lungs. She lets go of his hands and falls to the ground while breathing heavily. He lifts an eyebrow not believing what he sees before him. His kick wasn't so hard.
"Done already?"
"Yes, I think so. You got me there."
"Well, you were using an opportunity which backfired on you."
"That it did. But I'll learn about it. It won't happen to me again."
"Oh, I'm not so sure. But let's rest a bit. The others can train then too."
"Of course. We'll just be watching the show before us."
"Obviously."
Isobel stands up. They quickly make their way to the side of the room and towards a table set up with refreshments. Dean reaches the table where he picks up a cup of water and also some fruit. It's the best they've got available anyway. Then he walks to the bench a bit away from the table. Isobel joins him quickly, acting as if she's not bothered by her earlier pain. It's as if she's not even injured. He glances at her, ignoring both the heating of his face and her eyes connecting with his, and says what's been on his mind for a bit now.
"Well, that was interesting."
"It was. Still interested in returning to your family? Or have you accepted your place already?"
He turns around fully and looks at Isobel. She's grinning at him. That in combination with the amusement in her voice tells him enough. Grinning himself, he responds.
"Have you decided to not pursue your freedom?"
"Not at all."
"Then we think alike. I'll still try to get back to my family …"
"But?"
"But I'm enjoying my time here if I'm being honest, so I'll learn as much as I can so I can help them."
"You can't reveal our secrets!"
"Who said I would. I can still use it but will have to be careful when and how."
"You've thought about it."
"Yes, I have. I'm planning and testing different ways."
"So that's why the instructors seem to hate you so?"
"What's this about hate? I'm just testing them."
Isobel shakes her head with a smile on her face. He chooses not to respond to the thoughts he believes are crossing her mind. Instead, he decides to change the topic.
"Have you made plans on how you're getting your freedom?"
"What do you think? I've made those already. A long time ago."
"And you're executing them already?"
"Yes, why do you even ask? Want some advice. I didn't know you needed it."
"Oh, I don't need your advice. I know how to do it. I just want to get someone else's opinion about it."
"Really? I doubt that. But if you want to fool yourself, by all means, go for it."
"Are you going to answer my question now or what?"
"Well, if you're so desperate then I'll tell you. I've made arrangements so I can continue with my projects. Those I plan to use to show everyone I belong with the Iron Sisters."
"Iron Sister?"
"Yes, our weaponsmiths. Don't tell me you forgot about that."
"I didn't. I know who they are. I'm just surprised you're interested in joining them."
"Why? You think I don't fit there?"
"I don't know. I've never seen you make any weapons."
"Then I'll show you once I finish my project."
"What's your project?"
"You'll see once I finish it."
"You won't tell me anything? Not even a hint? Even a small one? If it's something mundane then I can help you."
"If it is then I'll consider it. So, has everything gone alright for you?"
"Not at all. There are these students who just make my life difficult."
"How?"
"They continually try to show me the most basic things, bother me with their endless questions and demands. Or this one student who continually tries to sabotage me. He only ever makes mean remarks."
"What kind of remarks?"
"Well, that I'll just endanger everyone. That I don't know what I'm doing. Those are the kind ones. I don't even want to talk about the truly horrible ones."
"Mhh."
Isobel looks at the ceiling. For all accounts, she seems lost in her thoughts. Dean looks at the wall wondering what she is thinking about. Does she know the students who make his life difficult? Does she know why they do it? Both are possible. If he wants to know he has but to ask. However, as he thinks about it, he falters. He's not sure if he wants to know the answer.
At the same time, he doesn't want the silence to linger even more. He's got to do something. But what? Get her to talk? It might be the best solution. He's just not sure how to get her to talk. A thought crosses his mind and he's quick to follow it.
"So how have things gone for you, Isobel? Alright?"
"Well, I've got no problems with the other trainees."
"So who do you have problems with?
"Oh, just one or two tutors who are highly annoying."
"How so?"
"Well, they're continually trying to force me into directions I don't want to. Or they give me advice I don't need. They should just leave me alone. I know what I'm doing."
"Oh, I'm sure of that."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, we're both still kids so they're looking out for us. You told me to rely on adults, remember?"
"Yes, family but no tutors. They've got nothing to do with their student's personal plans."
"Well, I'd like that."
"Yeah, me too. But let's continue with our training so I can go back to my project. We've been talking long enough."
He nods. They stand up and move back to the training area. Moving into their positions, they restart their spar almost instantly. Only this time without weapons. Dean waits for Isobel to strike before he moves. Just as she does, he ducks and strikes her chest with a flat hand. She topples a bit before striking out with her legs. He jumps only to be thrown to the ground by a hand striking his chest.
Swirling his legs around, he strikes her legs. Isobel falls with a groan. He jumps up and sees her lying on the ground panting. He frowns. They haven't trained that hard. And he hasn't struck her that hard. Nevertheless, a small layer of sweat gleans off her skin. Her arms lie to the side spread out. Her hair fans her head like a halo. It is an entrancing scene. He can't take his eyes off it.
Suddenly, pain laces through his side. He turns to the side and blocks another strike coming his way. His eyes narrow realizing what just happened. At the same time, he sees Isobel grinning at him. Seconds later, she speaks up.
"Tired already?"
"So confident in your skills that you've got to deceive people."
"I don't need to deceive tired people. They don't pay attention. I've got to wake them up."
"Oh, but who said I'm tired. I've got plenty of energy left to beat you up."
"Dream on. I've gotten more training than you."
"Really, training? Right only in controlled settings. I've gotten experience out in the field where lives were at stake."
As their bickering continues, they routinely exchange strikes with each other. He ducks as Isobel strikes at his head. He pushes her approaching hand away. Isobel topples for a moment before she grabs his arm. She falls further and pulls him toward the ground. He groans as they hit the ground and she lands on top of him. Almost immediately, Isobel begins to wrestle with him once more. They spend minutes wrestling before he's got her head in a deadlock and she finally surrenders. As they break apart, they begin to laugh madly, unable to stop.
Noah POV
Walking through the hall, Noah ignores everyone around him. He had a singular purpose at this time. He needs to find Issy as soon as possible. He's heard some things he doesn't like. At all. And he wants to know what's true of it. She can't get too comfortable around the intruder. She's got to keep her guard up at all times. Despite ignoring everyone, he does notice how some are grinning and making suggestive moves. He glares at them and they turn away from him. Except for a few foolish ones who only increase their actions.
Nearing the training room, he hears laughing and frowns. That isn't a sound he associates with training. No, it's a sound belonging to people having fun. And it's not something which belongs in a training room. The pace of his steps increases as he realizes this. He needs to reach the door as quickly as possible. His heart beats hard in his throat. He needs to ensure she's not getting too comfortable around him. He needs his suspicion to be proven false. He needs to.
Reaching the door, he hears the laughter accompanied by fighting. It can't go together. What's he doing with her? His hand touches the door handle and clenches around it. His throat clenches and he struggles to breathe for a moment. His arms tremble. He takes a deep breath and turns the handle. The door opens and he quickly steps inside. All eyes immediately turn on him except for two. Issy and intruder. He glares at all others daring them to betray his entrance.
His eyes turn towards Issy and the intruder. He studies them for a moment. They're bickering while still fighting. Fighting with smiles on their faces. The intruder pushes Issy back and nearly forces her to lose her balance. His hands clench painfully. He watches as the intruder kicks Issy to the ground and moves on her. She quickly retaliates by pushing it back. His clenched hand eases a bit.
They continue to spar for a while before the intruder wins the fight. Issy and the intruder break apart and talk to each other. It is at this time he makes his way over to them while his nails bite into his skin once more. He will end this. Right now. As he nears them, he grabs the intruder by his shoulder and turns him around. Without allowing him to speak a single word, he brings his fist forward right into the intruder's nose. A cracking sound echoes through the room.
"Ahh!"
"Noah, what the fuck! Why'd you do that? What's wrong … Whoa!"
He grabs Issy's arm and doesn't allow her to finish speaking. He pulls her away from the intruder and with him without looking back. He ignores her pulls. Even when they increase in speed and intensity. He needs to get her away from him. He hears shouting around him and people running. He ignores it all. As he walks out of the room, he slams the door close behind him. He hears the wood groaning under the impact.
"Noah! Stop! Noah! Where are we going? Noah!"
He doesn't respond. He cannot stop walking right now. Only once he turns a corner does he stop. Issy immediately pulls her arm free and strikes the back of his head. He groans and strokes the place she hit. Then he takes a deep breath and turns toward Issy. His eyes immediately connect with the murderous glare she gives him.
"Finally! What was that!"
"You know what it was. We've talked about it so many times before. Why are you so comfortable with an intruder?"
"Intruder? Dean's no intruder. He's just a trainee like us."
"Right, a trainee. You're delusional, Issy. Don't you see how dangerous it is? You'll find yourself in the same situation as …"
"What's wrong with you?"
He turns around and his eyes narrow. There's the intruder. When did he follow? He smiles when he notices the intruder has a black eye and is holding a tissue to his nose. His nose seems to be bleeding if the blood on the tissue is any indication. His smile widens. He did some damage there. The intruder's eyes narrow.
"Dean! You're alright?"
Issy barrels past him and smacks into his shoulder. He stumbles a bit. As he turns back to them, Issy's immediately zeroing in on Dean. She begins to check him over. He shakes his head. He never knew she had it in him. At this thought, he clenches his fists.
"Issy, stay away from him."
"Why? I'm his mentor so I've got to help him. And you, Noah. You haven't made any sense to me yet. So you'd better start explaining yourself."
"Too you? What about me? Ahh, Isobel, don't press there that hurts."
"Crybaby."
"I'm not. You're just being cruel."
"I'm not."
"Liar!"
"Don't talk to my sister like that, you … Agrr, you've got no right to even talk to her at all. You've got to stay away from my family because I'll ensure you won't survive otherwise."
"Oh, you'll find I'm good at surviving. And I won't lose if you'll pick a fight with me."
"I'd like to see you try. You're to stay away from her or else …"
"Why? What have I done to you? Nothing! And besides, your grandfather assigned her to me. So we've to spend time with her and talk to each other. Besides, it's not as if I chose her."
"Yes, you've done something to us; being here. You shouldn't even be here. And I don't care what grandfather did, I only care that you leave us alone. Your dangerous."
"That I'm here is not my fault. I've got no choice in it. And I do like spending time with your sister as she's a great help to me. The only one my age I've had help from. So don't even start."
"I don't care. You should just go. Right now!"
He glares at Dean and brings his fists up. This'll convince him if his words don't. He's got no idea what he's got to do right now. Just as he's about to strike, Issy jumps before him and catches his fist. His eyes widen. She pushes his fist back and he stumbles. He hisses as his back connects with the wall. Within seconds, an arm is put beneath his chin keeping him in place. He glares at his attacker.
"Noah! You go too far. You can't just threaten him. It's not right. Dean's a good kid who's still finding his place among us. You should be aiding him, not pushing him away. What's wrong with you?"
"You're disillusioned. You're like him far more than just a friend."
"You're wrong. I'm just a friend who's helping him. Nothing more. Take your threats back, Noah, or else?"
"No, I won't. I'm not impressed with your threats. But well if neither of you are interested in listening then I've got to convince you in another way."
"You better watch out with what you're planning on doing."
He gives Isobel a hard glare before turning around and stalking away. He's already making a few plans in his head. He won't fail this time.