Your fists clenched tightly as you stood before your opponent, Lady Shiva. Just Lady Shiva, Cassandra sat aside observing, as another hide concealed, watched. Your breathing was slow and measured, but your eyes betrayed a deep sense of anger and frustration. In a split second, you charged towards Lady Shiva with a fierce intensity, your movements precise and calculated.
As you got closer, you unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. Your movements were almost animalistic in nature, fueled by a calm rage that seemed to radiate from your very being.
Lady Shiva deftly blocked the attack, then countered with a roundhouse kick. You jumped back, barely avoiding the blow. Undeterred, you surged forward again, unleashing a flurry of readily punches and strikes. Determined to fatally land a blow. Lady Shiva remained calm and responded with a series of blocks, deflecting each attack with ease. As you pressed on, she saw an opening and landed a solid punch to your chest, causing you to stumble backward.
You became enraged but quickly composed yourself and charged forward with a fierce growl, his movements becoming more animalistic with fluidity with each attack. Lady Shiva kept a defensive stance, expertly blocking each attack with precision. You continued to lash out with precision, all as Lady Shiva remained calm and focused, waiting for the right moment to strike.
She saw an opportunity and launched a swift counter-attack, you expertly dodged the blows and counterattacked with a hook. Lady Shiva, calmly impressed, was ready and deftly blocked the attack. She launched a fierce kick, aiming for your midsection. But you were ready, sidestepping gracefully and delivering a swift blow to the first fighter's side. Swiftly Lady Shiva blocked it. She launched a series of rapid kicks, lightning-fast strikes, and punches. You managed to, barely, parry and dodge. Cassandra's eyes widen at the fight, you managed to remain calm and importantly avoid most of Lady Shiva's strikes.
The fight wore on for another moment, Lady Shiva soon took control and in a split second, she saw an opening and struck with precision, sending you sprawling to the ground. You lay there, panting and defeated, as Lady Shiva stood over you, victorious. You were furious but accepted the defeat with grace and humility.
After a few more seconds, you pick yourself up and humble yourself before Lady Shiva and bow to her.
"You have won, Mistress," you said, lifting yourself up and promptly standing steadily before her, ignoring the surging pain from her strike.
You could feel Lady Shiva's eyes examining you for any fault. You didn't falter and kept your emotionless composure.
"You've learned to regulate your emotions into your own power. Into your fighting, well done," Lady Shiva congratulated cooly, remaining stoic but there was a hint of pride behind her words you noticed.
You remained as you were, your back straight and your eyes focused until she finished and gave you a nod. Your shoulders dropped slightly and loosened, and your face, neutral with your eyes fixed straight ahead, relaxed. You expressed your delight with a smile.
"Thank you," you said with gratitude, and stare at your wrapped hands with pride, you could feel this power surging through, "it does feel good. Your teachings, guidance, and patience have helped me. You deserve the credit more than me. You are a wonderful teacher."
A hidden smirk crept upon Lady Shiva's lips, "Flatter gets no one anywhere. But your humble words speak of your growth. If I am a wonderful teacher then you are an excellent student."
Your heart lept quietly with joy from her praise. You did your best to hold back the eagerness rising inside you and kept yourself composed.
"Now, then what of your position?" Lady Shiva asked leading you towards Cassandra, "Have you recovered any information?"
You frown disappointed, "No. I have not. Thank you." You take the water Cassandra offered you and her quiet praise, "There is someone different who comes every two days. I am not sure how they enter when I cannot find a way out. Please, believe me, I have tried to secure a way out." You state with emotion.
Cassandra spoke, resting a hand on your shoulder to calm you, "We believe you. No one said they didn't. Do you happen to know when they arrive?"
You give it a thought, "I believe it must be when I am resting," you said with a bit of uncertainty and hesitation, "that is the most likely solution. As I sleep my awareness is not heightened or on alert."
Cassandra and Lady Shiva realized something before either of them had a chance to say it, Vandal revealed himself, "Then you must wake up and return back."
You jumped in surprise, releasing a small gasp, and took a step back at his sudden appearance. You nearly caved under his piercing eyes, he seemed to realize this and quietly adjusted them with a strict tenderness that oddly seemed loving. Like one would give their child. Despite your initial feelings, you couldn't deny something seemed...familiar about him. You astutely recognized the physical similarities between him and Cassandra and understood. Vandal saw this and a sense of pride rose in his eyes.
So many questions weighed on your tongue, Vandal noticed, and though he had the answers set them aside for the moment to focus on the matter at hand.
"Soon, I will answer your questions," he assured, setting you with ease, "but now you must focus. Use this information to your advantage, carefully use it. I'm afraid we will have to cut this short and for the time being our meetings. When you have enough information use this," he held up his hand and gestured for someone to come.
Out stepped Psimon, his appearance was less frightening, Psimion greeted you respectfully. Vandal continued, "Call out to Psimon and he will come. Now," he said with a tinge of emotion and urgency, setting his hands on your shoulders, they were heavy and strong, "wake up!"
You suddenly felt a strong pain in your stomach, knocking the breath out of you.
And you woke up.
Your eyes snapped open and you doubled over the side of your bed, clutching your stomach; still feeling the ripples of pain emitting from your stomach. You let out a small grunt, took a deep breath, clenched your jaw, and hold in the pain. You thought of Lady Shiva's words and slowly stood. She would be disappointed if she saw you like this. You take another minute, collect yourself and remember what you needed to do.
You swing the door open and hurry out, only to quickly change your fast pace to a walk. Not wanting to give away any suspicions. Slowly you descend the stairs, carefully listening for a new switched-out voice, informing you that someone else is here. You heard nothing so far. When you reached the parlor, there was no sign of anyone. You were sure this wasn't another dream, you'd know. You crept slowly through, remaining aware of any sudden movements. Even with the shadows. There was nothing, you checked everyone inch, so you went to the kitchen, and found no one.
Where you late? Did you miss the exchange? Your most recent babysitter was Zatanna, she was alright, overly friendly but alright.
"She should be up in her room," Madam Xandu's voice came from the parlor, "I'll call her down."
You walk out of the kitchen, turning the corner into the parlor. There was Madam Xanadu talking with someone else, you go closer to see and you were surprised at who it was.
Artemis.
She noticed your presence and was surprised. Madam Xanadu's words didn't match, Madam Xanadu turned around surprised as well. You remain where you stood with a stoic expression. You noticed Artemis had a few bags in her hands, she noticed and held them up.
"Umm, ah..." she tried to find the right words, it was clear she felt a bit awkward while trying to figure out the right way to approach you, "bought you some clothes." She held up the bags.
An annoyed look etched on your face followed by an eye roll. Scuffing you hurry by them and hurried back upstairs. They hear your door shut, no slam. Silence fills the parlor, Artemis knew that attitude all too well, it was hard for her not to chuckle and released a heavy exhale.
"Willam's right, guess the apple doesn't fall from the tree," she chuckled.