Chapter 14

The rest of lunch passed by with random comments from people I didn't really know about the challenge today and they congratulated me on my win as well as the other four who took part as victims being chased. It was the maddest game of cops and robbers I'd ever played but I had to admit that it was pretty entertaining. Somehow, I had a slight hunch that the game was also a way of taking a look at what our team work could be like. It was an obscure way to test it, but there had been times when team work was necessary. Like the group fights that I was involved in on two occasions and it seemed like Drew was too since Jackson mentioned both of us saving their asses at some point. And then there was that stunt at the end to win the game.

Team work was also important for those trying to catch us. The first part was to try and find us, even harder part was to capture us. That would've required much more than simple head on fighting. It would've required strategy to try and create a way to capture and drag us back to the training hall. I reminded myself to ask Joe about that when I went back for my extra training session later.

My mood was quite high from the enjoyment of the game and for simply hanging out with my friends, but it dropped instantly when Marissa Badica appeared with an expression that could kill.

"Wow… what crawled up her ass and died?" I whispered to the other three who struggled to keep their laughter in.

"Hey you!" Marissa shouted at me and pushed me back a few paces with her wind. "Who the hell do you think you are, to act so high and mighty just because you're a little better than an average dhampir at combat?" she hissed as she stormed up to me. She got so close that I could smell her peppermint breath and the perfume that she wore.

"At least you took my advice and steered away from complete white this time." I joked in an attempt to diffuse the tension that instantly shot up between us.

"I couldn't care less what you said! What would you know about fashion? Just look at you, so shabby and wearing those ugly clothes. Is looking like a beggar with no money part of your sense of fashion?"

"Okay now that's taking it a bit too far." I narrowed my eyes at her and I felt my blood begin to boil in anger.

"I doubt it, you probably couldn't afford a decent outfit being as poor as you most likely are with your mum's history of being a blood whore. That can't earn much for the family. Or has she managed to attract a wealthy costumer? Or maybe she offers more than just a bite?" she taunted.

"Alright that's it! What the fucking hell is your problem?" I growled at her and jabbed my finger at her shoulder. "I've done nothing except maybe take a little attention away from you! That gives you no right to start badmouthing either of my parents! And for your information my mother was not a blood whore!"

"You probably wouldn't even know it even if she was," she continued with her taunt. "I mean, aren't you completely oblivious about our society? Why are you even here anyway, nobody wants you around you ugly whore. I bet you take after your mum, I bet you're dying to sleep with any guy you can get your hands on."

"No, sleeping around is what you do. Don't even think about putting me in the same group as you." I clenched my teeth together. "And you know what? You're right; I do take after my mother. She was a great teacher and she taught me how to defend myself."

She seethed with anger and pushed my shoulders forcing me back a few steps again. "Let me tell you this right now. Here in our community, we have Moroi who have royal family names. I'm one of them so you might want to take back your words."

"Oh I know you're a royal, but you're not worthy of your nobility. You can't even get anywhere with social statuses without having to fuck O'Connor!"

"Shut up! Take that back!" she screeched and threw herself at me. I stepped to the side and easily avoided her.

"Why don't you deny it yourself Marissa? Or maybe you can't?" I laughed bitterly.

"You are nothing but a whore just like your filthy mother! It's no wonder that your father left her after a one night stand that resulted in a mistake like you! You're not loved by anyone, especially not by your parents! I bet your mum resents not having an abortion!"

"For the last time, don't you dare insult my parents!" I shouted at her, finally losing my control and I could feel my body growing hot. It was the same reaction as when I used fire to attack. I could feel it building within me and for a moment I panicked. I couldn't lose it. If I lost it I could seriously injure someone and I didn't want that at all. In my haze of anger, I didn't even notice the crowd that had gathered around and I could vaguely see my friends trying to get through along with guardians and the four Moroi prodigies.

I felt shock run through me as I clamped down on my power and all of a sudden I felt like being sick. The sudden rush and loss of power left me staggering and I fell onto my knees panting for air.

"You're not so tough are you?" she sneered and grabbed my hair and forced my face up to face hers. She held up a blade and held it to the side of my face.

"Marissa that's enough!" I heard someone bark and a wall of earth shot up forcing her back. The earth fell back down and Jackson dashed towards me and crouched down so that we were eye level.

"Are you alright? You look really pale," he frowned with concern. He rested his hand on my forehead and snapped his hand back. "Holy shit, you're burning up really badly."

"I'm fine." I gasped as I felt the magic course through me once again and I clamped my eyes shut and clutched my head in an attempt to shut the world out. I couldn't let this happen. There were far too many people around for me to lose control. I felt the magic of the bracelet warring against my own magic wanting to lash out at the cause of all this.

"It's her fault! She ruined everything!" Marissa shrieked. "She has to pay for insulting my family!"

"Kai did no such thing." Dan scowled and backed me up. "All she did was to retaliate against the horrible things you've said about her. How dare you start abusing and insulting her family when you don't even know anything about her?"

"The only thing she ruined was your fake image by revealing the truth. It was never going to last Marissa so just get over yourself." Quinn added. "Perhaps if you'd kept your legs closed and climbed up the ladder through conventional methods, this never would've happened. You have no one to blame but yourself."

"Drew what do I do? Her body isn't cooling down!" Jackson called out.

"It's alright, I'm fine." I insisted but I was trying to reassure myself more than them.

"Get her away from the crowd and get a Guardian." Drew instructed before turning a hard cold glare to Marissa. I saw her flinch and fear flashed across her eyes. "Marissa do you even know the real reason why we tolerate you? It's not because Nick brought you along as one of his toys, but because of your brother, James. He'd been kind to us before when we were younger so we thought we'd repay him in part by accepting his sister."

"No matter how much of a slut you were we still let you blabber on to no end without rejecting your existence once." Quinn continued. "But you've crossed the line for blindly and foolishly insulting and attacking someone who is much better than you could ever dream of becoming."

"You've dirtied yourself for nothing Marissa. If you had wanted to be our friends, we would've allowed it out of courtesy for James but even he will be disappointed in you after hearing what you've done." Dan concluded. "And he will hear everything about it about what you've done from day one. Don't think that we don't know. Everyone knows that you're the one who started all the gossip about Kai. They only went with it because you sat on our table. You'll be lucky if you don't get transferred. But perhaps that would be a more merciful thing to do."

"Dan, stop, it's fine, honestly. I just let the anger take over for a moment that's all. You can all stop now, look at her, she's practically reduced to tears. This is most likely her worst nightmare come true." I told them with a soft tone.

"If that's the kind of nightmare that she has then she's not worth our time." Jackson scowled.

"Everyone has their own fears and nightmares so it wouldn't be right to judge them." I shook my head. I wasn't sure why I was saying these things after all that she said about my parents but I pitied her. The way that the four most respected and popular people in our year ganged up on her at the same time must've been terrifying and completely humiliating. And I'd bet that she was really regretting sleeping with Nick now that she knew it was all for nothing. Being told that she'd sold her body off for nothing to do with popularity must've struck a nerve.

"Oh just listen to you being all kind and understanding just to make yourself look better in front of them again. All you do is flaunt yourself without stop. Bitches like you make me sick." Marissa spat and tried to lunge for me again but Drew easily held her back without effort.

My temper shot up again and I was surprised when a cloth suddenly covered my eyes and a pair of headphones slipped onto my head and onto my ears. My body was lifted and carried away and I had no idea where I was being taken to. I thought I heard Martin's voice over the music that was playing through the headphones but I couldn't be too sure. After a while my body was set down and the blindfold was removed. I saw Joe with his lips pursed into a thin line and I could see the anger raging in his eyes.

I sincerely hoped that we were somewhere vaguely out of sight because without another thought I flung my arms around his waist and buried my head into his chest and balled my eyes out. I let out all my anger and frustration into tears. He hugged me close and murmured gentle words into my hair since his head was on top of mine. He ran his hands over my back and my hair in soothing gestures and held me until I calmed down.

Eventually I felt the heat diffuse and I felt somewhat normal again. At least now my magic was no longer trying to find a way to burst out. That definitely would not have been a safe thing to happen. Never in my life had I prepared myself for such disgraceful and revolting insults to be directed at my parents. Fair enough she had no idea who my parents were, but that still didn't give her any right and it sure as hell didn't make it hurt any less to hear my parents being talked about like that.

I could tell that Joe must've heard it too when he carried me out of the scene. It was no wonder that he was furious. For anyone who knew my true identity and were close to my parents, it would've been natural for them to be livid. So far as I knew and could remember, I had never once encountered someone who insulted my parents. Sure there had been those who called out jibes against them but nothing as rude as what Marissa had done. I was also shocked that one person could insult someone else's parents to such an extent without having any clue at all about who the parents actually were.

"Are you feeling better?" Joe asked with heavy concern as he held my face in his hands and stared deeply into my eyes.

"I'm in the right state of mind now if that's what you meant and I'm no longer in danger of randomly imploding and killing the people around me." I smiled weakly.

"I am so sorry you had to hear that sort of thing."

"It's not something you could've prevented. To be honest, I had no real evidence that she had been the one spreading the rumours since I only met her this morning but I had a hunch when she starting throwing those insults. But I knew what kind of guy O'Connor is so I guessed about the part where she slept with him in order to sit on that table like that."

"There've been rumours and facts that have flown around the common room as well and the fact is that she has slept with him on several occasions and also caught numerous times by a patrolling Guardian."

"So it's true? About her I mean."

"I'm afraid so."

"That's… horrible." My stomach churned in disgust at the thought of all the things that she might've done which were all for nothing… "I don't understand how someone could do that and still act so proud like they're the king or queen of the world. I also can't understand how she could possibly behave in such a way. It's disgraceful to her family, especially since she's a royal. When this gets out, it's going to be absolutely hell for her."

"Martin is probably going to punish her for violent assault and verbal abuse as well. Her chances of remaining at this school are very slim. And even if she does get into another school, this type of thing will definitely spread. No matter where she goes, she will have this hanging over her for the rest of her life."

"Martin?"

"He was there at the scene. As soon as I saw the commotion and that you were in the middle of it, I thought it would be best to contact him to let him know something was happening. I didn't expect him to turn up but he did. He heard most of it."

"He did…" I choked. "God… no one wants to hear that kind of thing."

"He's absolutely furious and will be contacting her parents."

"How on earth did it end up like this? And it's only my third day…"

"Well with someone like her thoroughly punished or expelled, it will be a serious warning for any other rumour starter to watch their mouths and your life should be a little less filled with insults."

"It's not just that, I've somehow unintentionally and indirectly ruined someone's life." I groaned and buried my face in my hands.

"Kai," he whispered and took my hands away. "This is in no way your fault. You cannot help being yourself and it was because of your unprejudiced personality that has earned you friends and people who will support you. Don't blame yourself for something that isn't your fault. Don't make a burden for yourself because it isn't yours to bear."

"Can we go to practice now?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Kai, I don't think that's such a good idea. I want you to rest and cool your head."

"Please Joey, there's no better way for me to calm down except a good training session." I pleaded with my eyes. "I just want to take my mind off of it. I want to forget about all the things that she's called Mum and Dad. Please?"

"Alright, but the first sign that you're not feeling on top of the ball, I'm sending you to Rosette, do you understand?"

"Yes." I nodded.

He gave a heavy sigh but complied with my request so the pair of us headed to the training hall. Crispin wasn't there yet so Joe had to call him. "Crispin was there as well and he caught the tail end of it all."

"How many people were there?" I asked with a daunted voice. I didn't really want to know how many people had witnessed that nasty argument. It couldn't really be classified as a fight since no punches or kicks were thrown around.

"Quite a lot of nearby Guardians were there. Juliet was there but she didn't notice you because Jackson was shielding you. I consider that to be a good thing, otherwise, that girl probably wouldn't be alive right now. I'm proud of how well you coped with the situation Kai. You didn't lose control."

"I nearly lost it." I commented dryly.

"Nearly, but you didn't," he smiled. "And that's what matters."

"Valentine? Are you still planning to train after what happened?" Crispin stared at me in surprise when he saw me. "I would've thought you'd want some time to cool down or something. I only caught the tail end but that girl seriously lost it."

"I'm beginning to wonder whether she ever had it to begin with." I scoffed and began my stretches. "And besides, no better way to cool down other than going all out during a training session."

"Point taken," he laughed and thumped my back with an impressed expression. "Hey, I've been told today that I would be accompanying you and three other dhampir girls shopping at the mall tomorrow. Is that true?"

"What do you mean?"

"When students want to go into the city, whether they are Moroi or not, they have to be accompanied by one or two Guardians. I'm one of them and Maxwell is the other."

"You two are the assigned Guardians? Good thing you two get along then or else you'd probably be bored out of your minds." I laughed. "It's unfortunate that female Guardians weren't the ones who were assigned."

"I've found over the years that watching over dhampirs is much better than the Moroi when it comes to going to the mall." Joe shrugged and I turned to face him with an arched brow. I had a sneaking suspicion that he might've had a hand in deciding who accompanied us to the mall. Martin probably thought of Joe first as one of the assigned Guardians.

"So um… I have a favour to ask." I asked slowly.

"It depends on what the favour is," they stared at me suspiciously.

"Basically, some kids in the elementary division want me to go back to see them as soon as possible so I was wondering whether I could leave practice a little early today so that I could shower before going to dinner. That way I can head straight over after dinner."

"Some kids in the elementary division? How did that happen?"

"Honestly, I have no idea." I sighed. "I went to get the signature from Guardian Castile and a couple of kids kind of stuck to me and wouldn't let me leave unless I promised to go back and see them."

"Well considering the pretty intense challenge we set you earlier, we'll take it easy for this session and just go for a quick run before having a couple of spars and see how you do." Crispin suggested and turned to Joe for agreement.

"I would suggest to let you out straight away but since you insisted on coming to practice, we'll have to do something so we'll go with that plan," he nodded. "Give me three laps and I'll time you."

"Okay." I shrugged nonchalantly and waited for him to get a stop watch before dashing out for the laps. Thankfully, I didn't bump into anyone during my run which was somewhat a miracle but I was thankful for it. I wasn't sure whether I had reconstructed my defences well enough for me to answer any questions yet.

I seemed to arrive back at the training room with a new record since I went all out with my running, trying to vent my frustration and anger out. Joe glanced at the time on the stopwatch, then back up to me before giving me a surprised but proud smile. "Impressive, just over six minutes for 24 000 metres."

"Six minutes?" I stared at him in shock. "Are you sure you got that right? I can't have gone that fast."

"Apparently you can if you push yourself." Crispin grinned and handed me a bottle of water.

"Thanks." I smiled gratefully and took a couple of quick gulps. I had barely finished drinking the amount I wanted when Crispin suddenly lashed out with a fist. I narrowly missed his punch and I could feel his knuckles brushing the hair of my fringe. Instinctively one foot moved slightly outwards and back to strengthen my stance. I had so much practice in my life that little details like this had become a reflex without me having to think of it.

"Let's see what you can do," he challenged and with that thrown into the open, both he and Joe started attacking me with whatever strategy they could conjure. I found myself having to think fast and there wasn't a moment when I wasn't off the ball. If I had slipped up, I most likely would've gotten an ugly bruise to my side or shoulder.

After around an hour and a half of almost straight combat my breath had become raspy, my body boiling with heat and my movements had reduced in speed ever so slightly due to fatigue. Sweat laced my brow and a few parts of my body felt a little numb from exertion. However, I couldn't help but giggle, several moments later, I threw Crispin to the mat for the umpteenth time that afternoon and he stayed down this time. Joe had gone down about five minutes ago, refusing to get up anymore. Crispin had continued on through sheer determination to bring me down but I was more than pleased when I slammed him down once again and he didn't get back up. That meant that I had won without having to rely on any tricks other than pure combat.

I sat down in between the two of them and stretched my legs out. "So does that mean that I've won?" I asked cheekily.

"Yes you little champion. You win." Joe scoffed and smacked my leg since that was the only thing he could reach.

"Sorry for being a pain." I laughed.

"No you're not. In fact, you're thoroughly enjoying the fact that you can beat us both at the same time," he rolled his eyes.

"Maxwell wasn't kidding when he said that you held yourself back during classes." Crispin groaned. "I can't believe I just got crushed by an undergraduate who isn't in her last year at this place! Not to mention you only transferred this week."

"Well in all fairness, I have pretty much studied every form or style of combat that exists out there so it does give me a fairly high advantage since I'll have a lot more tricks up my sleeve."

"We should definitely get you to help out with classes," he stated seriously.

"I'll help if I get paid." I retorted.

"How about we bribe you with cakes?"

"How about you bribe me with two beers every Saturday if I help you out?"

"Beers?" Joe sat up and faced me with a glare. "You're an alcoholic? You're underage!"

"And I worked in a bar every evening after school too until the early hours of the morning and I would drink at least one bottle each night. I'm only asking for Saturdays. It's surprisingly relaxing." I told him defensively. "It's only a suggestion."

"No," he stated firmly with a strict tone.

"Okay." I nodded sheepishly. It felt odd to suddenly have someone who would be strict with me like a parent like this. The way that he was acting was probably something that my parents would've done. "Um… how about you bribe me with… books and stationary and other random little things? I'll make a wish list and give it to you and for each class I help out with; you have to give me something on the list." I suggested.

"That's a fair enough deal. You're a books girl?" Crispin stared at me in complete shock.

"I don't seem like one do I?" I smirked.

"Most fighters aren't readers."

"Well I guess that I'm just one of a kind." I laughed. "So as much as I like both of you, since I beat the both of you to pretty much exhaustion, can I go?"

"Feel free, you're dismissed." Joe and Crispin nodded while still lying on the mats.

I gave them both a pat on the shoulder before jumping up and walking back to the dorms.

8