The next morning, the occupants of the suites were in somewhat higher spirits as they had been the evening before. The bloody "test" of the day before seemed to be fading away and the bright reality of future assignments from Vincent dawned upon them. Elle was still nursing her arm, but she looked far better...and was acting...well slightly better.
Even Bill seemed less moody about the whole thing. He was far from being in a "good mood" but he seemed to have gotten over what had happened at Vincent's. The only person who seemed out of sorts was Vernita.
A large communal table was set up in the living area, covered with a nice room service breakfast. The various DiVA's were hanging around the table. Bill was reading the paper...the New York Times of course....a bagel in his hand. He seemed rather engrossed. Elle was sitting next to him, still in her bathrobe, fiddling with her toast trying her damndest to spread a good dose of jam on it with the use of one arm. Vernita was standing at the corner of the table, her strong arms crossed over his chest. She had said little the entire morning...which was somewhat strange for her. But nobody thus far had seemed to notice or at the very least, say anything about it. Her dark gaze kept flicking over to Beatrix, as she stood there....not even noticing the food.
Budd was sitting on the other side of Elle trying to offer some help. "Here....if I hold the fucking toast you can get the jam on it," he kept on insisting but Elle kept on tugging away and snapping out 'unnecessary' remarks and gestures at the man. So, he eventually gave up and resumed to eating his own bagel.
O-Ren had been up early and had been nice enough to order the lavish food platter for when the rest woke up. She found the whole toast situation amusing but when it was over she retreated to the bedroom where she planned to take a shower.
It was hard not to feel the dark eyes that kept leaping from Beatrix to the food. The tall blonde felt as if Vernita was trying to decide which was more appetizing; Beatrix or the toast. Such a tough decision. Beatrix had been in a fairly good mood when she woke up. She astonishingly slept well after she departed from her incident with Bill. It could have been to the fact she felt more secure knowing they came to a mutual decision that could work. It gave her a piece of mind and filled a gap in her confusion. But, now, she was getting irritated. She didn't show this irritation but casually shifted in her chair and set a cool gaze on Vernita. "Would you like me to pass you anything?" She made a motion to the array of food in the middle of the table.
Beatrix's words seemed to knock Vernita out of some angry revere. "No....." she gave Bea a bitchy little grin, her eyes flashing, "I'll pass...for now...." But sat down anyways, on the other side of Bill. She sat there again in silence for a good three minutes....her dark eyes still roving over Beatrix....when they came to Bill they seemed to back away with some amount of fear....but it seemed she was still assessing him for something.
"How'd you sleep Bill?" She asked suddenly, arms still crossed.
Bill lowered his paper a bit, an eyebrow rising over the edge, "I slept fine...thank you Vernita." He gave her a strange look and then went back to reading.
"Hrm...I see," Vernita nodded, picking at the edge of the table with her nails. She fell silent again, the same roving gaze starting up again.
Elle seemed oblivious, far more interested in trying to eat and keeping Budd from trying to "help" her.
With a purse of her lips, Vernita spoke up again, "I would hope Bill....." she always spoke a tad more submissively to Bill then Beatrix ever did, "...that you would know what you are doing here..."
Bill set his paper down with a loud rumple, fixing Vernita with a look of confusion and irritation, "What I'm......doing here....Vernita, is trying to read my fucking paper...check my fucking stocks...and eat my fucking bagel without being interrupted." He leaned towards her, "Unless you're attempting to be tactful but vague about some point I'm completely missing here....then just get it out for Christ's sake."
This seemed to set Vernita back a bit. She glanced down at the tabletop, her hand idly fiddling with a butter knife...pure habit. "I mean..." she mumbled, "....what your....your....doing with Bea...."
"What I'm doing with Bea?" Bill repeated with exasperation, "Why don't you ask Bea?" He shot the tall blonde a look and went back to reading his paper. Obviously, Bill wasn't going to give Vernita any room on this one. The less reaction to this the better. He wasn't exactly sure what Vernita had heard or what she knew but he was just going to act like it was nothing. There was no point in giving her an explanation. He rarely explained himself anyways.
Vernita's gaze came up to Beatrix....a mixed look of regret at opening her mouth in front of everybody, true anger and a good amount of confusion. "So....what's up Bea......do you think we are stupid huh?"
Before saying or acknowledging anything Beatrix sent a chilling glare in Bill's direction for putting her on the spot like that. None the less she could more or less handle this. She had no fucking clue what Vernita's problem was but if she had overheard anything last night that would most likely be what she was bitching at. Though, the tall blonde found it a tad questionable as Elle was the closest during her conversation with Bill when Vernita was in the other room.
The plot thickens.
Her slender brows narrowed but she kept a calm facade on. Her gaze slowly moving to Vernita's and avoided all other views from those at the table. "I don't think you're stupid. Bill doesn't hire stupid people." She flashed a coy smile but it quickly formed to a straight line. "What am I doing with Bill..." She folded her hands on the table top and her body leaned forward an inch. "I don't wanna lie to you so I'll be truthful about it. Bill and I are 'working' on things. And that's all I'm gonna say seeing as...truthfully...it's none of your goddamn business."
Behind his paper, Bill smiled proudly at Beatrx's response. Every now and then she could be quite truthful....and she was right...the whole thing was none of Vernita's business. Vernita had a way of bringing inappropriate things up in front of others....normally, he didn't give a shit but this was one time when she was going too far. He was grateful for Beatrix's dose of maturity on the matter.
Vernita sat staring at Beatrix, her mouth slightly agape. Of course, she had known something was going on between those two....but to hear it out of Beatrix's mouth...well, it was somewhat shocking to know the full reality. Elle continued to pretend none of this was going on. She had shut it out.....she couldn't stand to hear any of it. Like Vernita, she knew something had been going on.....but unlike Vernita she couldn't even think about it without not wanting to murder Beatrix right then and there. She picked at her food, humming away to oblivious. Elle was beginning to shut off...in a very unhealthy way.
"Holy shit....." Vernita breathed, looking utterly flabbergasted. She turned to look at Bill, staring at that distinctive hairline over the paper, as if trying to picture Bill in a whole new.....light. The thought only made her extremely uncomfortable. Bill....was.....well, Bill....How the hell Beatrix could......? She shook her head to rid herself of the very thought. "Is that true Bill?" she asked out of pure loss at what else to say.
"Of course it's true," Bill replied smoothly, still behind his paper, "And like Beatrix said....it's really none of your goddamn business."
Vernita's mouth worked.....she wanted to say more. In her mind it was her goddamn business! Well, at least partially.....She picked the knife up again, and fell silent.
A few long moments of complete silence filled the table. Vernita looked terribly rumpled. Bill was at least appearing to be completely indifferent...and Elle.....Elle might as well have not even heard a word that had been spoken. "Wow...." Elle's muffled voice broke in suddenly, her mouth full of blueberry muffin, "Fuck me! You guys have got to try these blueberry muffins....they're luscious!!"
Everyone simply stared at her.
"How are the muffins?" O-Ren questioned as she daintily sauntered back into the room. When she approached the table and looked the round of faces she began to wonder if she should had entered at all.
"Elle says they're luscious," Budd replied and he scooped up a muffin from the basket and tossed it in O-Ren's direction. She caught the muffin fluently, took a bite, and threw it back at Budd. "They're okay."
Budd shrugged and took a bite out of the already bitten muffin himself. Besides Elle and Vernita at least Budd and O-Ren were acting 'normal'. O-Ren already had her suspicions about Beatrix and Bill and had voiced or showed her opinion on the matter. She wasn't one to continuously reinstate it. Bill's brother had tried to voice his opinion on the matter awhile back and had gotten nowhere. That didn't mean he was willing to give up but he'd let it hang for the time being. He turned to Beatrix. "Try this." He threw the half eaten muffin in her direction which she caught in a similar fashion as O-Ren.
"I don't want to," she stated bluntly and threw it back at him. The blonde was in a dampened mood. She hated the fact that everyone else hated that Bill and herself were 'working' on things. She also despised Vernita's actions. It seemed wrong and it bothered her but she wasn't going to dawn on it too much. Not yet. Budd caught it again. "Why not?"
She put on a serious facade and blue eyes twinkled with sarcasm. "Because it has your slobbery germs on it." Elle snorted at Beatrix's comment....her first real involvement in any conversation besides the one within herself.
Bill set down his paper, having ignored the entire "muffin" interaction. "Let's pack up and head out of here." He shot an even gaze around the table, as if they were all equal in his eyes. Vernita was still sitting in a strange posture, the butter knife twisting in her hand. Her expression was remote. As Bill and the others stood to get up, Bill's hand dropped onto Vernit'a shoulder. "A private word with you Vernita..." He stated, not asked. A brief flicker of emotion flicked across Vernita's face, but she nodded and followed Bill into the other room.
A few minutes later, Vernita appeared in the large room that she was sharing with Beatrix and O-Ren. She quickly walked over to her open suitcase, ignoring the looks of the other women, and began to shove her clothing in, in a rather hostile manner. After a few minutes of this fury driven packing, she threw her duffel over her shoulder and shot a sharp look at O-Ren and Beatrix.
"I guess your stuck driving back with Bill, huh Bea?" She said in a soft but nasty tone of voice, "So sorry to hear that......I'd save you from that fate, but whoops....guess my flight back is full." She tilted her head, "I think you'll manage....somehow...." With that, she turned and left the room, nearly knocking Bill over as he rounded the corner. He glared at Vernita's back and poked his head into the room, giving O-Ren a small smile, "I'm ready to go whenever you are Kiddo...." he said in a very indifferent tone.
"What did you say to Vernita?" The tall blonde asked as she sat in the passenger's seat of the vehicle. They had been driving a good five hours and they hadn't said much to one another the entire time. Not because they were angry with one another but they both appeared to have plaguing thoughts that took up the better portion of their minds. They stopped once for a bathroom break which Beatrix insisted upon even with Bill's retort of wanting to get home within the next year. Other then that the ride was bland.
Her question wasn't as out of the blue as it was perceived. What had happened at breakfast had been the primary thought in her head the entire ride, along with a few other things. She had felt she was good 'friends' with Vernita and she almost hated the idea of doing something to cut it up. Not that it'd necessarily be her fault but she'd like to prevent disputes when not needed.
"I told her I was sick of her gossipy teenage bullshit," Bill replied, hands resting lightly on the steering wheel, "...she knows I hate that sort of shit. But I've never said much until now. I informed her if she felt the need to delve into my personal life, your personal life...or any other members of this organization's personal life's....than she could find another organization to work for." He paused, "I also told her, that if I catch her eavesdropping one more time I'm going to cut her fucking big toe off." He said this completely straight faced. With Bill such sadistic comments were hard to decipher as being jokes or truly serious ideas.
He glanced at Beatrix through his dark sunglasses, "She didn't seem very happy with me after that." A smirk. Obviously, he wasn't too upset over the fact.
Like Beatrix, Bill had found the majority of this drive back lost in thought. There was no anger between him and Beatrix.....that was obvious. It was a nice change. But, of course, not only was there no anger....but there was virtually little of anything between them at the moment. Nice, sure, but somewhat droll. He'd have to get used to that for the time being. He realized that they were both the type of people that fed off of the anger, passion and fury that surrounded them. Now, the lights were out....and it was both comfortable and sterile. It was safe....which was what they needed right now.
Bill glanced at Beatrix again, "I know you and Vernita.....are close.....it's a pity to see her turn like that for something so fucking stupid." He almost made a "typical woman" comment...but smartly let it go.
For some reason Beatrix felt the need to wiggle her big toe followed by the rest of her little piggies at his comment about taking Vernita's big toe. Her feet were out of her sandals anyway so it didn't appear to be an odd gesture. Blue eyes kept steady out the window to watch the winding road. She wasn't going to get upset with Bill on this subject. It wasn't worth it and it was probably for the best. Seeing Vernita act like that was a big pill to swallow. The woman was nowhere near as 'dominant' as Beatrix was but she had her moments that dug under the skin.
So, Bea decided to stick with subtle humor to help her deal with any inner turmoil's. "Everyone seems to be turning over...this," she stated bluntly but softly. "It's as if everyone wants you and I'm the only one risky enough to act on it." A smirk curled over her lips. Ah, the male fantasy to have a generous amount of woman 'wanting' them. The idea was all too humorous, no offense to Bill.
At this, Bill laughed....quite heartily. A hand slapping down on the steering wheel.
He obviously had not been expecting Beatrix to say something even remotely like that.
After a moment, he spoke with a good amount of amusement in his voice, "As much as I'd like to believe that Kiddo....and believe me, I do," he said with no shame, "I don't think that's entirely true. Oh, they're jealous alright, but not for the type of attention you have received," a twist of the lip. "Keep in mind, I have known most of them longer than yourself...trained all of them. I think....they feel protective. And," he cast her a dark glance, "...I think they are being protective of you as well. Vernita is at least....she's not showing it very well, but she doesn't want to see you hurt." He frowned, "She's sure I'm no good for you." He fell silent for a few long seconds, "I think......she expected more out of you."
He wasn't sure what to say about her being the one risky enough to act on it.....whatever that "it" exactly was...women were...strange. Bill would like to think he was wanted and adored by all attractive women....but he knew, the ones that actually did, did it because of what he was....not who he was. Beatrix was different in that way. He gave her a tight smile, "They can turn and bitch and moan all they want.....I've never been one to care what other people think." Well, that was obvious.
Once again, he fell silent...looking a little more serious about the whole thing.
Beatrix etched her slender brows together and took in Bill's opinion on the matter. She regretted having brought the question up in the first place mostly because what he said held bitter truth to it. They were being protective. She even recalled Elle giving her a subtle pep-talk on Bill and what she was getting herself into. Back then she brushed her helpful advice away and she still did. For the most part. If only she wasn't so fucking sure and confused on what she wanted she would have opened her ears and listened.
Subconsciously she bent her legs up into a fetal position and rested her feet on the dash board. She canted her pretty blonde head against the frame of the door. She stayed like this for a long moment obviously thinking too hard. She spoke up softly, "How could she expect more from me? She's no better than I am...at times. I just can't fathom how--" but she cut herself short out of frustration and unclear thoughts. She scrunched down farther in the seat trying to appear not as distressed as she was feeling on the inside.
Bill frowned over at her in concern. He let the fact that she had her feet up on the dashboard go. She was trying to hide her distress over all of this, but her tightly wrapped fetal position was a dead giveaway that she was far more worked up than she was letting on.
He felt bad for her. For the first time he really thought about what this must be like for her. For him, it wasn't so distressing. He was a man..."the man"...he was older, he was...well, in charge. He was dominant enough that most people, if they had a problem with him and his choices, would never really voice them, Budd aside. He could do as he pleased and not give a flying fuck about those around him. He had far less to lose.....at least that was what he thought at this current time. Beatrix, on the other hand....... He looked over at her again and realized his selfishness.
"Hey Kiddo," he said quietly, a hand reaching over to pat her on the leg with a reassured gesture, "I know......this is harder for you....I...." he searched for the right words, "I may be a cruel murdering bastard, but......I want you to know I'm on your side here. I don't have any excuses for the others.....but....I don't have any for myself either." He turned back to the wheel frowning, not exactly sure where this was going.
All Beatrix could do was smile. A real smile not any of that fake shit she had been known for pulling off so effortlessly. It meant more to her than she'd like to comprehend, knowing Bill was on her side. It wasn't just her and the simple fact that even if all the Vipers hated her fucking guts she'd always know that Bill still liked her. Or, at least she hoped so. But, she wasn't going to question it as it would bring unnecessary thoughts.
She let long fingers brush against his before settling in her lap. She turned her head to gain a comfortable position and felt eyelids growing heavier by the second. Bea had no trouble taking a nap; Bill would wake her when it was her turn to take the wheel. And, she needed that sleep to take her away from reality for a couple of hours.
Bill smiled as Beatrix turned and drifted off to sleep. He was not lying to her, he would always be on her side. No matter what he did to her, or what he said to her and visa versa...he would remain, always on her side.
The rest of the trip was passed in friendly tranquility, as did the next few weeks. Most of the DiVA's were sent off on assignments and Beatrix was generally spared the awkward company of those who were slowly turning against her. Bill was true to his word and things halted back to a business relationship. He appeared unaffected and professional about the whole thing. Things went along pretty "normally" for a few weeks. Then Bill gleefully and quite manically announced that the next coming weekend was going to be "Hell Weekend." Hell weekend, was Bill's sadistic idea of intense training. He knew that every member of the Deadly Viper Association was extremely capable, but he liked to do this sort of thing about once a year....just to make sure everybody was running on full capabilities. After all, he had a great amount invested in the DiVA's and he wanted to make sure his investment, as well as his credibility, was still well protected.
This weekend always brought some interesting surprises. Bill would bring in a handful of bizarre characters to add flavor to the training. These were usually people he'd known for years and felt he could trust.....underground martial artists, assassins and generally all around bad ass low life's. Bill knew that many of those in his employ had long surpassed most of these guys...but he wanted to give them a good challenge nonetheless. Also, every once in a while....Bill would bring in a new recruit or two. These individuals would be flown in under wraps...having no clue where their location was. But, thus far this "new recruit" thing had been somewhat unsuccessful and was something of a joke within the DiVA's. Generally, these potential recruits were either killed, mortally wounded or just simply weren't good enough for Bill and shipped back home. No word had been given if there would be anybody to fill the role this time around. Jeff, if he had been living still, would probably have taken the role....but, that was not to be.
The training would take place at the large lot next to Bill's, as well as the courtyard behind his place. There was generally a lot of socializing in-between training and at night...where Bill spent much of the time wearily watching people mingle around his house. Luckily, the whole thing only lasted two days. Because, even Bill was ready for it all to be over with after about a day.
Bill's repertoire of trainers had shown up Friday night. He had room for only a few....the rest had to find motel rooms in town. None of them seemed to mind; after all...they were getting paid very well. They had all gone out that night as they always did and Bill always regretted it the next morning when he had to spend the whole training day popping aspirin and hiding behind dark sunglasses. These guys were used to excessively hard living......and even Bill found it hard to keep up at times.
The next morning the DiVA's were expected to show up bright and early. They generally were never happy about the whole thing, but they always seemed to get over it. One by one they began to show up. Vernita was the first, she looked haggard, striking still...but haggard, her hair pulled back and wearing a pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless training top. She let herself in and glared at Bill when she found him standing in the living room talking to a shorter Chinese man. Apparently the rest of the "trainers" were out back.
"Christ...Bill why'd you have to do this thing now?" Vernita threw herself down on the couch.
"Because I said so," Bill replied grumpily, glancing away from the other man.
"You know how we all hate it."
"Yes, I do."
"Augh," she rubbed her face, "That makes me feel so much better." Just then Elle strode in, wearing a matching white skin tight training suit with red stripes down the sides and matching eye patch. She went right for the bar, "I need a fucking drink..."
"No, not today..." Bill shook his head.
"Fuck...." Elle turned away from the bar, as if already expecting that answer and plopped down next to Vernita.
"I already told him how we hate this," Vernita mumbled to her blonde counterpart.
"Good, because I don't feel like repeating you." Elle grumbled. Bill smirked. There was always something amusing in their reactions to this whole thing.
Shortly after Elle's arrival O-Ren strode in wearing a black and white training suit that gave off the whole ying-yang effect. She hated 'hell weekend' as much as the next person but she wasn't one to outwardly complain. So, to show her dislike she remained mute, not that that wasn't completely normal for her but the way she went about it during these weekends made it different. She casually came over to the couch and situated down next to Vernita, hands folding on her lap.
"I was thinking about coming in 'ere drunk than I wouldn't have to put up with this shit," came Budd's voice as he walked in seconds later. He wore a baggy set of jeans and a white t-shirt. He never wore a training suit, this was his own idea of it. Grumbling he ran a hand through messy locks and fell onto a chair in a huff.
Two silent minutes passed. Bill wouldn't start until everyone was there. When that third minute rolled around the familiar closing and opening of the front door was heard. Following, was Beatrix. She was clad in a pair of black training pants that were cropped to her knees and a matching top, similar to a black sports bra but it covered her stomach. Blonde locks were pulled up into a high pony tail. Honestly, Bea wasn't for this nor against this. She may have been the only one out of the five that at times enjoyed it. She didn't like it, it was hard, challenging, but she liked challenges. Besides, putting this weekend of intense training against three fucking years with Pai Mei was a piece of cake. Of course she'd prefer not to do it but she didn't have a choice and so she didn't complain as much as her counterparts. She avoided anyone's eye, kept a cool facade, and sat down on the last vacant chair.
Bill glanced at Beatrix, the last to arrive, and excusing himself from his conversation with the Chinese man, he strode over to where all of the DiVA's were sitting.
"Well, don't you all look chipper this morning?" He said...funny coming from a man wearing dark "hangover" glasses and looking pretty damn ragged himself.
Vernita glared, "We're ready.....bring it on, and let's get this shit over with."
Elle sneered, "Where's your little training outfit Bill?" She gestured to his typical attire, "Aren't you training as well?"
"I've paid my dues Miss Driver, I'll observe."
"You mean, you're saying you're too old then?" Vernita quipped.
"Yes, that's it," Bill replied with a smirk. on...let's go into the back." Reluctantly, all of the Viper's followed him into the backyard.
A group of five men...the Chinese man Bill had been talking to before included, as well as one woman were standing talking to one another when the DiVA's entered the backyard. Bill then proceeded to make the introductions. He gestured to the Chinese man, who appeared in his late twenties, very muscular in a tank top and training pants and compared to the rest far more fresh faced and energetic. "This is Jimmy," Always first names at these sorts of things. Jimmy gave a wave to the group of assassins, "Hi guys," obviously Jimmy was a Chinese American and new this time around. Bill moved on, indicating the woman, who was so tall it was almost scary. She looked Hispanic and with the build of a pro wrestler...which by her looks wouldn't be much a surprise. "Everybody...Sonia," Sonia gave them all a firm nod, her massive arms staying crossed over her not so massive bosom. Sonia had been here least year.....she was always somewhat unfriendly but always up for a good fight. To her right stood an older man who standing next to Bill, made Bill look like a baby faced kid....well maybe that was something of an over exaggeration, but the man was more leather suitcase than Jack Pallance. He was dressed in full cowboy regalia, and not that yuppie sort of cowboy, but the real thing....like he used Jack Daniels for mouthwash and shaved with a bowie knife. "I'm sure your all familiar with Roy." Roy had been here every time thus far. Roy gave the group a tip of his cowboy hat, "Good to see you folks again," his voice was all Marlboro man. Next to Roy was a tallish man, who without the use of a better word, was just flat out creepy looking. He was wearing a long dark jacket, had a heavily scared face, and a head of longish black greasy hair. His darkish skin indicated some ethnicity...perhaps Hispanic or Native American, but it was hard to tell...his dark beady eyes scanned the group. He looked like the quintessential rapist. He was new as well. "This is Ray," Bill indicated the jacketed man, who nodded silently to the DiVA's. Next to him was another of these "hell weekend" regulars, a very tall Thai man with a cleanly shaved head, save for a knot of long hair at the top of his head. He was shirtless and wearing a pair of boxing shorts. "And of course Xing here, who flew in all the way from Thailand to be here." Xing smiled, his muscular face changing with the gesture, "My pleasure as always Bill," he spoke in heavily accented English. "And last but not least," Bill continued, "Another new face, William, not Bill...William," he gestured to a man in a light grey suit. William was in his mid-thirties, very good looking with sandy blonde hair and a very corporate look about him. He smiled at the DiVA's, "Nice to meet all of you."
Bill turned to the group of "teachers", "Gentlemen..lady, this is: Sidewinder, Black Mamba, Cottonmouth, Copperhead and California Mountain Snake."
And that was that. It was pretty easy to tell what each of these people's specialties were. Jimmy was obviously the kung fu guy. Sonia was most likely street fighting, grappling and perhaps some weapons. Roy was of course the master of shooting and perhaps some bar fighting, he could also teach you how to drink anybody under the table. Ray was a little difficult to figure out, but most likely he specialized in assassination tactics, weapons and general all around sneaky practices. Xing was obviously a Mai Tai boxer and was a good teacher on controlling pain. William was a professional corporate assassin....his specialties using technology and weapons...especially sniping.
This time around, there was an absence of a samurai guy....this was usually staple for Bill...but apparently not this time.
Thus, things began with little pretense. The way things worked, was each DiVA's member went off to a different "station" There were two set up out in the abandoned area next to Bill's. Two in the Oriental courtyard and one in the building in the back of the courtyard. Bill generally used the building for storage of training weapons...but it was big enough to spar in and had mats set up on the floor. Since there were six trainers and five DiVA's training, one was always free to float around and jump in when needed. Bill floated around as well and observed, putting in his own comments when he felt the need. Generally, he kept quiet though...he respected those he had brought in and knew that they most likely knew more than him in their particular areas. He'd soak up new information and learn a thing or two himself.
At noontime they'd break for lunch and then continue on. They'd keep going until way past dark and then there would be a well needed dinner and celebrating afterwards.
'Hell' weekend was just as strenuous as it was dangerous. They were training and during all times of training one was liable to get hurt. Each Viper had their own station and the 'teacher's did rotations to each one. It was organized so fashionably it was humorous.
Each Viper had gone up against at least two teachers when lunch time rolled around. There was a wide display on the patio front consisting of a buffet of sandwiches and drinks; mostly water or tea.
One by one the DiVAS finished up and assorted at the buffet table. Budd was mingling with Xing and William whom Budd kept on calling Will. At least he wasn't calling him Bill. O-Ren soon joined in with Budd after picking out a sandwich of turkey and cheese. She was sporting a rather prominent bruise on her lower cheek which didn't do justice for the bruise Budd had on his neck.
Beatrix was last to join the lunch table. She was just as sweaty as the rest of them and was dying for a glass of water. Her throat was parched and her skin was boiling. She 'liked' training but she'd prefer it to take place in an air conditioned corridor. The tall blonde scowled. The table was packed and the only vacant area was near Vernita. She had been trying her hardest to avoid Vernita since their dispute a few weeks ago.
She could always wait but she was so fucking thirsty. Running a hand through sweaty bangs and pushing them to either side of her forehead she casually walked over. She slipped in and reached for a glass, the pitcher of water, and poured herself a glass full. So, far Vernita didn't seem to notice the blonde which could be taken as either a good or bad thing.
As Beatrix chugged down the cooling refreshment she felt some thing brush up behind her, followed by words in her ear, "You're mine next, sweety." It was Ray, the guy that she had caught a glance of putting Elle in a head lock. It was amusing at the time. Now she wasn't so sure. Ray extended a muscular arm over her shoulder and snatched himself a glass. He took a step back but before retreating gave a firm slap to the blonde's ass. She flinched and set her glass down. "I'm going to enjoy kicking his ass," she hissed.
Vernita had heard what Ray had said....not to mention the ass slap, her brows lifted over the sunglasses she was currently sporting....mainly to hide a recently received black eye. She could feel her eye puffing up at that very moment. She didn't say anything at first, her lips pursed....a sandwich halfway to her mouth. Like everyone else she was covered with a sheen of sweat. "Hell weekend" was far from a beauty pageant. "I'm sure he'll deserve whatever's coming to him....he has it comin'..." she replied finally...her voice halfway between friendly and stealthily distant. She hadn't really spoken to Beatrix since the Arizona trip a few weeks back. She wasn't exactly putting off hostile vibes, but at the same time, she wasn't acting her usual friendly sort with Bea. "The asshole kicked me in the face three times..." she continued on in the same distantly conversational tone of voice, taking a large bite of her sandwich. "I don't know where Bill knows him from, but he creeps the hell out of me.....seems like a child molester or something....." She picked up her large glass of water, draining it in nearly one gulp.
Bill was sitting at the head of buffet table talking amiably with Roy and Jimmy. He appeared to not have avoided some of the action himself...although he seemed somewhat oblivious to a split lip and a bruise on his forehead as he laughed loudly at some joke or another. He had brought out his Hanzo sword, which he was fiddling idly with in one hand, a halfway eaten sandwich in the other.
Sonia and Elle seemed to have come to some sort of "bonding" and were talking at the other end of the table. Elle's hair was a mess, any makeup she had been wearing earlier was long gone. Sonia didn't appear to wear makeup anyways. Thus far things were running very smoothly. Minor injuries were expected, even more severe ones came long now and then. As always, Bill tried to bring a variety of people, with a variety of styles and things to teach them. He was very concerned with keeping everybody fresh and up to date on techniques. At the same time Bill was still always about "old school."
Assassins, while they were killers, were still in business....and business was all about being on top, making connections and often, at times working together. Many of those who were training with the DiVA's that day were assassins themselves, but were smart enough to realize that the world was big enough for more than one assassin. There were always enough targets to go around...
At some point during the lunch, Bill started making rounds around the table...making sure everything was going alright. He damn well wanted to make sure they were...this was an expensive endeavor and he didn't want his Viper's getting the shit beat out of them if it wasn't for their own good.
Vernita grabbed Bill by the forearm as he passed by, bringing him down to her sitting level, "Bill...is that guy Ray...some sort of sex offender?" She seemed just as annoyed with the man as Bea was. After all, she'd already had her "session" with him.
"Not that I'm aware of," Bill replied, "What....did he try and cop a feel or something?"
"No," Vernita didn't seem amused by that borderline asinine comment, "He's just.....creepy....Even Bea agrees...." she looked over at Bea, "Isn't that right Bea?"
Beatrix was standing by the table. She hadn't sat down and joined Vernita, she wasn't invited to sit down and so didn't find it appropriate to. Even though Vernita was being a tad more civil. She had in her hand a ham and cheese sandwich that she was nibbling on contently. There was a full glass of water on the table in reach for when she needed it.
She swallowed the portion of food in her mouth and gave a tight nod to Vernita's comment. "Aye," she paused and canted her head to the side. "He slapped my ass." Her expression showed she was far from amused at the gesture. She knew Bill had reasons for inviting such a man and didn't want to demote his decisions. They were after all, trying to stay on good terms. More would have been added but she stopped herself by taking another healthy bite of her sandwich.
Bill just seemed to find the whole thing amusing and waved it away. "Don't worry about Ray....he's harmless....well...," he smirked, "...not harmless....but just don't worry about it." He slapped Vernita on the shoulder, giving Beatrix a small smile as he continued on down the table.
Thus the lunch ended and the rigorous training began again. Everybody moved on to whatever station was next on their rotation. They each had three more rotations before the days training ended. That equaled a good six more hours of training.
Elle went off to train with Roy...Vernita with William. Bill went back to floating around, lending a hand....getting to fights when another attacker was needed.
About an hour after lunch Bill found his way over to Beatrix and Jimmy's station. They were located in the building in the back of the courtyard. This locale was ideal for Jimmy's kung fu training. There were a number of wooden training weapons hanging on the dark wood walls and the floor was currently covered in mats. Like all of Bill's room's....it was nicely furnished, even if it was no more than a glorified storage shed.
He stood there for a few minutes, arms crossed...watching Beatrix and Jimmy train. He kept his expression neutral as the two fighters exchanged blows. Beatrix was a grade A kung fu practitioner, and Bill was happy to see she'd kept up with her skills.
She had just thrown Jimmy down ten times in a row, and was working on getting out another of his holds. Jimmy, who was a good natured guy was starting to get pretty damn frustrated.
Okay, Beatrix never was one to 'show off'. She was more than aware that she was good, really good, and that she had been labeled quite prestigiously 'the deadliest woman in the world' but she didn't gloat as many others would. She kept it low key and rarely made a statement about it. But, on 'hell' weekend she made an exception. Showing off was another way of displaying how good you really were but the trick was not to be cocky. Being cocky could get you killed or in this case badly hurt. Black Mamba was never cocky.
She knew Bill was watching but didn't take a second to exchange a side glance. Jimmy was still struggling in a head lock that she had learned recently from Ray. The guy turned out to be...nice...but weird. Helpful too. Jimmy was straining his neck and she decided to let him loose, but before he was able to take a step back to collect himself, she extended a long leg, twisted around, and made contact to the back of his legs.
Jimmy let out a yell of frustration, his friendly demeanor slowly evaporating as he was once again knocked to the ground. Bill smirked in the corner.
The Chinese man picked himself up, glancing at Bill, "She's too good Bill....I swear..." he wiped some sweat off of his brow, "The best today by far."
"Of course she is," Bill said quietly, a fond gaze on Beatrix.
"I mean..." Jimmy took a few deep breaths, seemingly oblivious to Bill's comment, ".....nobody beats me...this much...." he glared over his shoulder at Beatrix. "Nobody....." he trailed off, and leapt at Beatrix once again. His cool teaching style mannerisms replaced with genuine frustration and anger. He threw a series of punches at her head, which she easily parried kung fu style. In desperation he picked up a wooden training sword that had been lying aside on the ground. He swung it deathly hard at her, again...parries.
"AUGH!!!" This time he swung it low and made contact with her gut, "Hah!!!" Jimmy seemed very pleased to have finally gotten a real hit in. Bill just raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
When the sword made contact the blonde stumbled back. Her hands cupped over her stomach as she willed air back into her suddenly burning lungs. This didn't take long as it really couldn't last more than three seconds before she had to parry another blow. This one she evaded and performed an effortless back flip away from Jimmy. She landed with a cat like grace, crouched on the ground, fingers splayed out on the floor, and she stared up at him. Her breathing was harsh and the sweat glistening on her face could be seen a mile away. A few moments passed and Jimmy ran at her again.
Beatrix was ready to end this. She leveled on her heels and as the man came closer, almost jumping at her and bringing the sword down, she let her hands grip the sword. It was wood and she had no fear of cutting her hands, a few splinters maybe. She gripped the sword, jerked it hard enough that Jimmy came over her head and landed on his back behind her with a harsh thud. Any harder he may have cracked his skull. She let go of the wooden sword tip and brought her hands back in front of her coolly.
Jimmy fell with a loud thud as he met the padded ground extremely hard. All of his remaining breath was sucked out of his body. He laid on the ground for sometime, heaving breaths...attempting to fill his lungs.
Bill chuckled, pushing off of the wall and strode over to Jimmy. After a second or two of smiling down at the kung fu master, he offered the man a helping hand. With Bill's help, Jimmy picked himself off of the ground...glaring at the blonde warrior standing in front of him. "Damn..." he shook his head, a smile finally touching his face. He appeared to have gotten over his anger...for the moment. Beatrix had proved herself the better fighter...even if it was hard for him to comprehend and he realized he'd just have to deal with it.
Striding over to the nearest rack, Bill pulled out a similar wooden sword to the one that Beatrix was now holding. He had realized while watching her fight Jimmy that he hadn't sparred with her in sometime. There was that little thing that one night out in the courtyard........a good memory...but it still had been sometime.
Turning towards Beatrix, Bill wielded the sword; looking intense but holding no anger against her, "Attack me Kiddo."