Author's Note: Here's another chapter! Please review after reading! This
was an especially hard chapter to right since I'm trying to keep up with
the guidelines of the "You've Got Mail" and "Shop Around the Corner" plot.
Sorry if MFU fans might find Illya a bit out of character. :S Please
forgive!
Special thanks and acknowledgements to my terrific friend, Maria Kanai! Maria who helped me in real life to choreograph the fight scenes in this chapter and the chapters to come. THANKS!
Part Four: "A Training Session."
Dear Areht,
*Now, what do I write?* I wondered. I was back home now and composing my letter to my friend. I paused for a long time then continued writing.
Thank you for your e-mail. And yes, I do want to meet with you! How many times have I dreamed of this moment! I've been thinking what you would look like. Are you tall, short, do you hav dark hair or light hair, do you have brown eyes or blue eyes, what is your family background? Don't tell me. I'll soon find out. Could you please write and tell me when you're available? I'll probably be available this whole week after 5 o'clock. I'll try to make it whenever you're free. Write back quickly.
NewYorkGirl
Oh, I do hope he'll be able to make it this week.
**********
I could shout! I could fly! I could do anything! I was going to meet Areht tomorrow! I had just received an e-mail from him right after my morning jog, saying that he was free tomorrow. I am to meet him at 6 o'clock at a café which was only about ten minutes from my apartment. I was so excited that I had almost been late for my enforcement agent class scheduled for that morning. I ran to the New York UNCLE headquarters and made it just in time for my class.
"Good morning everyone," my instructor, Mr. Alan Spencer said. "Today we have a full class if everyone has noticed." I had been in such a rush to get into my seat that I hadn't looked around. Patrick was here of course, and so is April and Mark, and. Napoleon and Illya! *What are they doing here?! They never attend any classes!* I turned to Mr. Spencer for an explanation.
"Today you are all going to be taking some very special tests in electronics, self-defense, and weapons. Mr. Waverly some of UNCLE's top agents to observe and participate in some classes." *Probably to check out the newer recruits.* All I could think of was to not mess up today.
First I would like to have everyone to take their tests that are right in front of you." There were groans all around me, including my own. I hated tests! *Well, might as well get it over with.* Everyone including me concentrated on the paper in front of us.
**********
"Everyone, please take out your UNCLE specials and hit the targets." I sighed. The test wasn't so bad, at least I had to concentrate a little to take it but shooting targets was easy! I took out my gun from the holster in the small of my back and shot away at my target without really concentrating. I was concentrating more on my date with Areht tomorrow. *What will he look like?* I kept thinking over and over.
"Danielle!" I snapped to attention. "Are you paying attention?" My instructor was staring at me.
I was caught. "Well, sir, um, I."
He smiled. "Because if you are, I would like to congratulate you on your progress." I looked at my target and was astonished. Five of my bullets had gotten in the circle outside the center and even got one a bit off center but still in the bull's eye! *Maybe if I had concentrated more, I could have hit dead center. I have improved!*
I walked out of the firing range and with the other agents went into the firearms rooms.
"Good job everyone. Big improvement."
Mr. Spencer next led us into the gym. I grinned. Now we were getting into my territory. Martial arts. I was the one of the top of my class but that was only with the newer enforcement agents. I didn't know how well Napoleon, Mark, and April were and what I've seen of Illya, knew that he was probably the one to look out for.
"Get into your workout clothes and be back here in 10 minutes." I headed out for the ladies locker room.
**********
"Turner, Banks, on the mat. 5 minutes time limit," our instructor said. Diane Turner was American with a strong southern accent, Alabama all the way. She was a petite blond with a degree in languages and could speak at least six languages. Tanya Banks was also a petite and blonde woman with European descent, though she was born and spent most of her life in Korea. There she grew up learning about combat training, including martial arts, fencing, and kickboxing. Diane Turner and Tanya Banks obeyed the instructor and stepped onto the mat. When Mr. Spencer blew his whistle, the match began.
It was nice to get into some comfortable clothes. Though I was able to wear nice pants instead of a skirt in headquarters, I'd rather wear my stretch spats. On top I wore a long-sleeved black shirt with a belt and my hair up in a ponytail so my hair will be out of the way during my match. *Wonder who I'll be paired up with?* I knew that if I won my first match, I'd be put together with another winner for a second match. I wondered if any of the senior agents would be participating.
The match between Diane and Tanya ended with Tanya flipping the other girl over her shoulder. "All right, good job Tanya. Next, O'Shay and Jones."
Patrick went onto the mat along with his opponent, Harry Jones. I knew that Harry was no match for Patrick. For one thing, Patrick was taller than the 5 foot 8 man and outweighed him. Another thing was that Harry was a very timid man, very quiet and always having his head in a book. He was a genius in the lab though and had studied criminal psychology.
With the shrill sound of the instructor's whistle, the match started. After a few seconds of unsuccessful moves from either side, Patrick pretended to lean on his right but instead leaned to the left and tripped Harry by sweeping his leg from the right. Harry was ready and fell lightly though and got up before Patrick could pin him down. But Patrick was also fast and grabbed the other arms and flung him onto the mat. After a brief struggle, Pat had pinned him down good and Harry couldn't move.
"Great O'Shay! And Harry, lots of improvement. I liked the way you were ready for your opponent to trip you." Patrick had a triumphant look on his face and though Harry lost, he was also beaming from Spencer's compliment. Patrick came over to sit next to me and I gave him thumbs up. "Good job Pat!"
He raised his eyebrows. "What, you didn't think I could do it?" I put on a face of mock innocence. "Well, I had my doubts."
April and Sylvie Rogers were next on the mat. Both women were also in the same type of clothes as mine: stretch pants, shirt, and belt. Sylvie Rogers was an American as was April, very tall with bright red hair and green eyes. She was an excellent pilot and could fly, drive, and operate almost any vehicle.
The two circled each other. Just as the other woman was about to grab and pull her down on to the mat, April cart wheeled to Sylvie's right and dropped her to the ground from behind. It was my first time to see her use martial arts and was impressed by what I saw.
As April started walking back to her chair, I heard Mark whisper to her. "Show off." April swatted his shoulder in return. *You can tell that they're partners. They're always joking and teasing one another.* I smiled thinking that it was they same way between Patrick and me.
Napoleon and Mark were up next. They were wearing the usual judo outfit, Napoleon white with a black belt and Mark black with a white belt. As I watched them, I could tell that it was going to be a difficult match. Napoleon was calm and you could tell he was more experienced, but Mark was a little younger and quicker. The match ended at a draw.
Soon after I was called along with Dick Sumpter. Dick was a dark Canadian, an excellent athlete and a formidable opponent with a fencing saber.
I had no trouble finishing this bout though with ease. Though he was much bigger than me, I was able to grab hold of his right arm with my left arm and then put my right leg right behind them. Then with my right hand I started to push him down onto the floor but then I noticed something. If he fell now, my other foot, which was in the way, could get caught and I would seriously injure my ankle. I had a few seconds delay getting my foot out of the way, then pushed him down. Good thing he was slow to react. Before he could get up, I had his arms locked. I was hoping that I wouldn't get in trouble from the teacher about getting my foot in the way but luckily, no one had noticed.
Mr. Spencer called on the next team as we both resumed our seats. After about two more bouts, Illya was called up. He was wearing a black with a white belt but what stood out most was his expression of absolute calm. I had seen it on him also at the airport and during the test we took today. *How can he stay so calm?*
He studied his opponent, Maiko Kitamura. Maiko is Japanese and she is very small, maybe only 5 foot 4. But I knew she could lay me down flat if given the smallest opportunity. She was small but smart and very quick.
The two circled each other, wary of each other, close but not close enough. Maiko struck first, trying to hit him with a high kick but Illya blocked it with his lower arm. As Maiko tried to kick him again with her other leg, Illya moved away and pushed her to the side, trying to trip her with his feet but she was already moving out of the way. They faced each other again, waiting for the first move. Then Illya did a move that I've never seen someone do before. He jumped and using his feet, he got hold of Maiko's neck and pulled her down onto her back. They both fell but Maiko wasn't expecting it so when she fell down hard, the breath was knocked out of her. Illya had already gotten up and had her arms pinned in a classic judo move when Maiko finally took a deep, shaky breath. (! This move which Illya pulls was done in "The Five Daughters Affair" by Illya)
Illya got up. He helped Maiko up and she smiled at him. "Thank you Mr. Kuryakin. I didn't expect that."
Finally, a hint of a smile appeared on his face. They both returned to their seats. Napoleon made a face to his partner. "Illya, I keep on telling you, it's impolite to show off and you should let a lady win. Don't you ever listen to what I'm always telling you?"
Illya snorted. "It depends if the lady is going to knock you out or not." Napoleon started to retort but was silenced by the instructor's glare. Illya smirked at him. Another team was called and when Mr. Spencer's attention was taken of them, Napoleon said, "So you're scared now that a lady could knock you out, huh? I didn't think you were the type to run away from a lady."
"No, I'm not the one who runs away from ladies. And you are not one to tell me about ladies." I was not the only one who chuckled right then. Besides me who heard Illya was April, Mark, and Maiko.
Napoleon shook his head. "That's not at all funny. You don't have any sense of humor."
I then went to sit back with the older enforcement agents when Mr. Spencer's back was turned. "I just wanted to say how great you guys were. I've never seen anyone finish a bout so quickly, besides Maiko." All of them grinned from the compliment.
April sidled up next to me. "I thought you were sensational! You're good, too! Just think if we were on an assignment together. We females would be able to show how to get things right. " I smiled at that thought.
April was then called up along with another trainee and it was silent for a while.
"You're pretty quick with you're feet." I almost jumped a foot off the ground then realized that Illya had come up behind me.
I sighed, a little disappointed in myself for not hearing him. "Don't do that! How do you do that anyway?"
"What did I do?"
"I mean, the way you can sneak up on people so quietly. You nearly scared me out of my wits. I hate people doing that."
Smiling, Illya said, "Well, I have to be sneaky in this business. It's the only way to spy."
"What did you mean about me being quick on my feet?"
"When you fought with young Sumpter. You almost got your feet caught."
I flushed in embarrassment. I couldn't believe he had noticed it. I did not like it when people corrected me or noticed my mistakes. "What should I have done then?"
He seemed surprised at how I reacted. "I meant it as a compliment. You act as if you might be upset with me."
History seemed to repeat itself. I was getting mad at him again. How can he criticize me like that?! I didn't speak, afraid that I'll snap.
Illya looked straight in to my face. "You're mad at me again."
"Oh, go away."
"I keep making you get upset. Is it something wrong with me, or you?"
I lost my temper, right then and there. As I started to bite back at him, I heard Alan Spencer call, "Illya, Danielle, I want you to go onto the mat."
Illya and I just froze for a second until Napoleon leaned over to us. "I bet you that the young lady beats you, Illya." Illya grimly said back to him, "I wouldn't bet on this match." He glanced at me. "I might win. Or she might kill me." With that he got up and went to the middle of the floor. I stood up to follow him.
"Hey." I turned around to see Pat whispering to me. "He's right you know. You've got murder in your eyes." I ignored him.
"Five minutes." Alan Spencer looked at his watch. "OK, begin."
I took a deep breath to calm myself. *Don't give into anger. You could make a grave mistake that way. Have a clear head.* Illya watched me warily as I also watched him, wondering if I should let him make the first move or should I. I didn't have time to decide because he threw a kick for my left shoulder to unbalance me. He almost would have, too if I hadn't right then and there rolled onto the floor to the right. Before I could get up though, Illya was about to pin my legs so he could then grab my arms in an arm lock. My reflexes were working though and with free leg tried to kick him across the head. My foot did not make any contact though because he already up and in a ready stance.
I was astonished and dumbfounded. I had seen him fight before but never realized just how fast he was! I had to admit I admired him for that. And only for that, since he certainly didn't think of others.
I pretended to move to the right then moved in quickly from the left. I tried grab his right hand and throw him over my shoulder but instead he used the momentum to flip on my back and moved away a distance. I stopped for a second. *That was supposed to work! Whatever, better think of a better way to best him.*
I again made the first move and went down low and swung with my right leg to trip him. Rather than move out of the way or trip, he also bent low, grabbed my swinging leg with his left hand and with his other hand pushed me off balance. As he tried to move forward to pin though, I was able to push him away with my free foot. When he could recover, I was already off the ground and in a waiting stance.
He made a wry face. "Pretty good."
I copied his expression. "So are you." Then we resumed. For the rest of the time it was the same thing. When I think that I might be able to get him, he always bests me with another way out or a totally new move I've never learned before. It took all of my concentration to just know where he is because he was so fast. The match finally ended with Mr. Spencer's whistle blast. I was hot and sweating and Illya was in the same condition though his face did not betray any of his feelings.
"Good job both of you. All right, that's all for today everyone, you have the rest of the day off." There were smiles all around and even some hurrahs. I was too pooped to say or do anything.
"Except." Everyone stopped. ".Mr. Waverly wants Mr. Solo, Kuryakin, Slate, and Dancer to report to his office immediately."
Napoleon, April, and Mark froze, shocked. Illya of course did not change his expression at all. Napoleon recovered, grimaced, and said, "Well, guess we'd better see what the old man wants." They all rushed to the locker room to get changed except for Illya who just walked over to me. I did not look at him but he positioned his face so it was looking right into mine.
"Danielle, I wish you wouldn't be mad with me. I don't know what I said to make you upset." He gave a frustrated sigh.
A secret spy, but still clueless. I was tired, upset, and in no mood to talk with. him. "Oh, just go away." I marched to the woman's locker room to shower and change clothes.
This wasn't much of a good day.
Author's Note: Please review! Tell me what you think!
Special thanks and acknowledgements to my terrific friend, Maria Kanai! Maria who helped me in real life to choreograph the fight scenes in this chapter and the chapters to come. THANKS!
Part Four: "A Training Session."
Dear Areht,
*Now, what do I write?* I wondered. I was back home now and composing my letter to my friend. I paused for a long time then continued writing.
Thank you for your e-mail. And yes, I do want to meet with you! How many times have I dreamed of this moment! I've been thinking what you would look like. Are you tall, short, do you hav dark hair or light hair, do you have brown eyes or blue eyes, what is your family background? Don't tell me. I'll soon find out. Could you please write and tell me when you're available? I'll probably be available this whole week after 5 o'clock. I'll try to make it whenever you're free. Write back quickly.
NewYorkGirl
Oh, I do hope he'll be able to make it this week.
**********
I could shout! I could fly! I could do anything! I was going to meet Areht tomorrow! I had just received an e-mail from him right after my morning jog, saying that he was free tomorrow. I am to meet him at 6 o'clock at a café which was only about ten minutes from my apartment. I was so excited that I had almost been late for my enforcement agent class scheduled for that morning. I ran to the New York UNCLE headquarters and made it just in time for my class.
"Good morning everyone," my instructor, Mr. Alan Spencer said. "Today we have a full class if everyone has noticed." I had been in such a rush to get into my seat that I hadn't looked around. Patrick was here of course, and so is April and Mark, and. Napoleon and Illya! *What are they doing here?! They never attend any classes!* I turned to Mr. Spencer for an explanation.
"Today you are all going to be taking some very special tests in electronics, self-defense, and weapons. Mr. Waverly some of UNCLE's top agents to observe and participate in some classes." *Probably to check out the newer recruits.* All I could think of was to not mess up today.
First I would like to have everyone to take their tests that are right in front of you." There were groans all around me, including my own. I hated tests! *Well, might as well get it over with.* Everyone including me concentrated on the paper in front of us.
**********
"Everyone, please take out your UNCLE specials and hit the targets." I sighed. The test wasn't so bad, at least I had to concentrate a little to take it but shooting targets was easy! I took out my gun from the holster in the small of my back and shot away at my target without really concentrating. I was concentrating more on my date with Areht tomorrow. *What will he look like?* I kept thinking over and over.
"Danielle!" I snapped to attention. "Are you paying attention?" My instructor was staring at me.
I was caught. "Well, sir, um, I."
He smiled. "Because if you are, I would like to congratulate you on your progress." I looked at my target and was astonished. Five of my bullets had gotten in the circle outside the center and even got one a bit off center but still in the bull's eye! *Maybe if I had concentrated more, I could have hit dead center. I have improved!*
I walked out of the firing range and with the other agents went into the firearms rooms.
"Good job everyone. Big improvement."
Mr. Spencer next led us into the gym. I grinned. Now we were getting into my territory. Martial arts. I was the one of the top of my class but that was only with the newer enforcement agents. I didn't know how well Napoleon, Mark, and April were and what I've seen of Illya, knew that he was probably the one to look out for.
"Get into your workout clothes and be back here in 10 minutes." I headed out for the ladies locker room.
**********
"Turner, Banks, on the mat. 5 minutes time limit," our instructor said. Diane Turner was American with a strong southern accent, Alabama all the way. She was a petite blond with a degree in languages and could speak at least six languages. Tanya Banks was also a petite and blonde woman with European descent, though she was born and spent most of her life in Korea. There she grew up learning about combat training, including martial arts, fencing, and kickboxing. Diane Turner and Tanya Banks obeyed the instructor and stepped onto the mat. When Mr. Spencer blew his whistle, the match began.
It was nice to get into some comfortable clothes. Though I was able to wear nice pants instead of a skirt in headquarters, I'd rather wear my stretch spats. On top I wore a long-sleeved black shirt with a belt and my hair up in a ponytail so my hair will be out of the way during my match. *Wonder who I'll be paired up with?* I knew that if I won my first match, I'd be put together with another winner for a second match. I wondered if any of the senior agents would be participating.
The match between Diane and Tanya ended with Tanya flipping the other girl over her shoulder. "All right, good job Tanya. Next, O'Shay and Jones."
Patrick went onto the mat along with his opponent, Harry Jones. I knew that Harry was no match for Patrick. For one thing, Patrick was taller than the 5 foot 8 man and outweighed him. Another thing was that Harry was a very timid man, very quiet and always having his head in a book. He was a genius in the lab though and had studied criminal psychology.
With the shrill sound of the instructor's whistle, the match started. After a few seconds of unsuccessful moves from either side, Patrick pretended to lean on his right but instead leaned to the left and tripped Harry by sweeping his leg from the right. Harry was ready and fell lightly though and got up before Patrick could pin him down. But Patrick was also fast and grabbed the other arms and flung him onto the mat. After a brief struggle, Pat had pinned him down good and Harry couldn't move.
"Great O'Shay! And Harry, lots of improvement. I liked the way you were ready for your opponent to trip you." Patrick had a triumphant look on his face and though Harry lost, he was also beaming from Spencer's compliment. Patrick came over to sit next to me and I gave him thumbs up. "Good job Pat!"
He raised his eyebrows. "What, you didn't think I could do it?" I put on a face of mock innocence. "Well, I had my doubts."
April and Sylvie Rogers were next on the mat. Both women were also in the same type of clothes as mine: stretch pants, shirt, and belt. Sylvie Rogers was an American as was April, very tall with bright red hair and green eyes. She was an excellent pilot and could fly, drive, and operate almost any vehicle.
The two circled each other. Just as the other woman was about to grab and pull her down on to the mat, April cart wheeled to Sylvie's right and dropped her to the ground from behind. It was my first time to see her use martial arts and was impressed by what I saw.
As April started walking back to her chair, I heard Mark whisper to her. "Show off." April swatted his shoulder in return. *You can tell that they're partners. They're always joking and teasing one another.* I smiled thinking that it was they same way between Patrick and me.
Napoleon and Mark were up next. They were wearing the usual judo outfit, Napoleon white with a black belt and Mark black with a white belt. As I watched them, I could tell that it was going to be a difficult match. Napoleon was calm and you could tell he was more experienced, but Mark was a little younger and quicker. The match ended at a draw.
Soon after I was called along with Dick Sumpter. Dick was a dark Canadian, an excellent athlete and a formidable opponent with a fencing saber.
I had no trouble finishing this bout though with ease. Though he was much bigger than me, I was able to grab hold of his right arm with my left arm and then put my right leg right behind them. Then with my right hand I started to push him down onto the floor but then I noticed something. If he fell now, my other foot, which was in the way, could get caught and I would seriously injure my ankle. I had a few seconds delay getting my foot out of the way, then pushed him down. Good thing he was slow to react. Before he could get up, I had his arms locked. I was hoping that I wouldn't get in trouble from the teacher about getting my foot in the way but luckily, no one had noticed.
Mr. Spencer called on the next team as we both resumed our seats. After about two more bouts, Illya was called up. He was wearing a black with a white belt but what stood out most was his expression of absolute calm. I had seen it on him also at the airport and during the test we took today. *How can he stay so calm?*
He studied his opponent, Maiko Kitamura. Maiko is Japanese and she is very small, maybe only 5 foot 4. But I knew she could lay me down flat if given the smallest opportunity. She was small but smart and very quick.
The two circled each other, wary of each other, close but not close enough. Maiko struck first, trying to hit him with a high kick but Illya blocked it with his lower arm. As Maiko tried to kick him again with her other leg, Illya moved away and pushed her to the side, trying to trip her with his feet but she was already moving out of the way. They faced each other again, waiting for the first move. Then Illya did a move that I've never seen someone do before. He jumped and using his feet, he got hold of Maiko's neck and pulled her down onto her back. They both fell but Maiko wasn't expecting it so when she fell down hard, the breath was knocked out of her. Illya had already gotten up and had her arms pinned in a classic judo move when Maiko finally took a deep, shaky breath. (! This move which Illya pulls was done in "The Five Daughters Affair" by Illya)
Illya got up. He helped Maiko up and she smiled at him. "Thank you Mr. Kuryakin. I didn't expect that."
Finally, a hint of a smile appeared on his face. They both returned to their seats. Napoleon made a face to his partner. "Illya, I keep on telling you, it's impolite to show off and you should let a lady win. Don't you ever listen to what I'm always telling you?"
Illya snorted. "It depends if the lady is going to knock you out or not." Napoleon started to retort but was silenced by the instructor's glare. Illya smirked at him. Another team was called and when Mr. Spencer's attention was taken of them, Napoleon said, "So you're scared now that a lady could knock you out, huh? I didn't think you were the type to run away from a lady."
"No, I'm not the one who runs away from ladies. And you are not one to tell me about ladies." I was not the only one who chuckled right then. Besides me who heard Illya was April, Mark, and Maiko.
Napoleon shook his head. "That's not at all funny. You don't have any sense of humor."
I then went to sit back with the older enforcement agents when Mr. Spencer's back was turned. "I just wanted to say how great you guys were. I've never seen anyone finish a bout so quickly, besides Maiko." All of them grinned from the compliment.
April sidled up next to me. "I thought you were sensational! You're good, too! Just think if we were on an assignment together. We females would be able to show how to get things right. " I smiled at that thought.
April was then called up along with another trainee and it was silent for a while.
"You're pretty quick with you're feet." I almost jumped a foot off the ground then realized that Illya had come up behind me.
I sighed, a little disappointed in myself for not hearing him. "Don't do that! How do you do that anyway?"
"What did I do?"
"I mean, the way you can sneak up on people so quietly. You nearly scared me out of my wits. I hate people doing that."
Smiling, Illya said, "Well, I have to be sneaky in this business. It's the only way to spy."
"What did you mean about me being quick on my feet?"
"When you fought with young Sumpter. You almost got your feet caught."
I flushed in embarrassment. I couldn't believe he had noticed it. I did not like it when people corrected me or noticed my mistakes. "What should I have done then?"
He seemed surprised at how I reacted. "I meant it as a compliment. You act as if you might be upset with me."
History seemed to repeat itself. I was getting mad at him again. How can he criticize me like that?! I didn't speak, afraid that I'll snap.
Illya looked straight in to my face. "You're mad at me again."
"Oh, go away."
"I keep making you get upset. Is it something wrong with me, or you?"
I lost my temper, right then and there. As I started to bite back at him, I heard Alan Spencer call, "Illya, Danielle, I want you to go onto the mat."
Illya and I just froze for a second until Napoleon leaned over to us. "I bet you that the young lady beats you, Illya." Illya grimly said back to him, "I wouldn't bet on this match." He glanced at me. "I might win. Or she might kill me." With that he got up and went to the middle of the floor. I stood up to follow him.
"Hey." I turned around to see Pat whispering to me. "He's right you know. You've got murder in your eyes." I ignored him.
"Five minutes." Alan Spencer looked at his watch. "OK, begin."
I took a deep breath to calm myself. *Don't give into anger. You could make a grave mistake that way. Have a clear head.* Illya watched me warily as I also watched him, wondering if I should let him make the first move or should I. I didn't have time to decide because he threw a kick for my left shoulder to unbalance me. He almost would have, too if I hadn't right then and there rolled onto the floor to the right. Before I could get up though, Illya was about to pin my legs so he could then grab my arms in an arm lock. My reflexes were working though and with free leg tried to kick him across the head. My foot did not make any contact though because he already up and in a ready stance.
I was astonished and dumbfounded. I had seen him fight before but never realized just how fast he was! I had to admit I admired him for that. And only for that, since he certainly didn't think of others.
I pretended to move to the right then moved in quickly from the left. I tried grab his right hand and throw him over my shoulder but instead he used the momentum to flip on my back and moved away a distance. I stopped for a second. *That was supposed to work! Whatever, better think of a better way to best him.*
I again made the first move and went down low and swung with my right leg to trip him. Rather than move out of the way or trip, he also bent low, grabbed my swinging leg with his left hand and with his other hand pushed me off balance. As he tried to move forward to pin though, I was able to push him away with my free foot. When he could recover, I was already off the ground and in a waiting stance.
He made a wry face. "Pretty good."
I copied his expression. "So are you." Then we resumed. For the rest of the time it was the same thing. When I think that I might be able to get him, he always bests me with another way out or a totally new move I've never learned before. It took all of my concentration to just know where he is because he was so fast. The match finally ended with Mr. Spencer's whistle blast. I was hot and sweating and Illya was in the same condition though his face did not betray any of his feelings.
"Good job both of you. All right, that's all for today everyone, you have the rest of the day off." There were smiles all around and even some hurrahs. I was too pooped to say or do anything.
"Except." Everyone stopped. ".Mr. Waverly wants Mr. Solo, Kuryakin, Slate, and Dancer to report to his office immediately."
Napoleon, April, and Mark froze, shocked. Illya of course did not change his expression at all. Napoleon recovered, grimaced, and said, "Well, guess we'd better see what the old man wants." They all rushed to the locker room to get changed except for Illya who just walked over to me. I did not look at him but he positioned his face so it was looking right into mine.
"Danielle, I wish you wouldn't be mad with me. I don't know what I said to make you upset." He gave a frustrated sigh.
A secret spy, but still clueless. I was tired, upset, and in no mood to talk with. him. "Oh, just go away." I marched to the woman's locker room to shower and change clothes.
This wasn't much of a good day.
Author's Note: Please review! Tell me what you think!