xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Music:

Pump it – Black Eyed Peas

Eye of the tiger – Survivor

We're gonna win – Bryan Adams

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 7: Emmet – Game on!

Of course I was happy we got to go home alive. Though Irina's death had clouded things a bit. But there'd been no real action. No one to punch. A least I got lots of loving from Rose that night back home. God, I loved my feisty wife!

And then I expected things to get boring, back to normal. But no, we got a new surprise. A female visitor, so different from anyone we knew. Though the minute she walked in, I got a good vibe from her. She seemed a bit of a tomboy, I liked that. Her story proved me right, she was special. When she mentioned seals being very nutritious, I was immediately hooked. I wanted to know more about that, I wanted her to take me hunting.

But of course, after Timmain finished her story and the decision about her staying was made, others claimed her. First Alice, then Nessie and last some of our wolf-guys. I could tell she was very curious about them. The way she reacted to them. Rose couldn't understand that, even after the girl's explanation. Her first impression: weird. I decided to stay open-minded.

While waiting impatiently, I researched seal colonies online. When she finally got back, I cornered her quick and blurted out my main question. "Will you take me seal-hunting?" I gave her my best pleading look, even batting my eyes.

She studied my face and said she would, but not right away. I felt disappointed and asked why not. She explained it and was adamant about me needing to exercise first. Ok, I could handle that. Wrestling match! I walked up to Jasper, he would give me a good work-out.

The rest of the day the girl kept amazing us and made herself right at home. Rose warmed up to her when she got Nessie to eat human food. That made everybody smile. A breath of fresh air. She was untouched and pure.

We had a sit down to talk and we all told something about ourselves. Some embarrassing confessions were made. Timmain confessed not being able to drive and having little experience with the latest technology. Hmm, something to work on.

Then, she asked about Jaspers scars. She seemed unaware vampires could scar each other. Curiously she wanted to touch one of the scars, Jasper allowed her to. Surprise, her healing gift worked on vampires too! Of course the change was minimal, her touch had been short and real light. But we could see it and Jasper felt it.

After a moment of uneasiness Carlisle decided her gift needed to be explored more. He put up a visit to the hospital. Timmain was up for that.

It also sparked others to talk about visiting. I'd already set up a match or two with Jasper for tomorrow morning. After Edward and Bella left to put Nessie to bed and retreat for the night, Alice offered Timmain a guest-bedroom. She was pleased, but declined, she'd rather be outside. Alice couldn't really understand that, why didn't she want some comfort.

She explained that she was used to it, it was her routine, to find a tree or other secluded place to meditate in. She told us it was almost like sleeping or dreaming. Also, during her talk with Jake, she'd given an open invitation to anyone wanting to talk. And she promised she could be found in the tree she'd spend the previous night in. That sealed the deal, Alice didn't argue.

The rest of the day's activities were routine. A little past midnight Rose and I went up to our room. As she got undressed I couldn't help admiring her. The way her long hair cascaded down her back, her curves, her scent. I had to caress and cherish that body. It ended up in a heated lovemaking session.

Afterwards, laying spooned behind her, I couldn't help the smile on my face; more calories burned already! After an hour thinking and just feeling happy, it started getting light outside.

With my hands around her waist I pulled her towards me and kissed her neck. "Time to get up, my beauty." I mumbled against her skin. She rolled over on her back and kissed me on the lips. "Alright, she agreed, they'll all be here soon and let's see how 'tomboy' is doing." She got up slowly and walked towards the bathroom.

I tried to asses her mood. "Is she getting to much attention, love?" I asked gently. She turned her head and scowled at me. – "No, that's not it really, she replied, but she's just so.. unsophisticated. "And, well, I can make no sense of her. "It's like you just have to like her, but I don't want to yet. "And last, her name, Timmain, I don't like it, it's weird." – A little rant, not uncommon with her and new things.

"Awh, honey, just take it slow and talk to her." I tried to sound warm and supportive. "You need to get to know her." I think she going be around for a while." Thinking about her name, hmm, it was quite unusual. Maybe we should ask her about it's origin.

Meanwhile, a nickname was in order. "As for her name, I said, it is unusual, I agree, so I thought about a nickname. What do you think about 'May', short, easy and feminine." Rose tilted her head, thinking about it. "Yeah, that sounds nice, she agreed, I can live with that. "But do you think the girl will like it?" I shrugged; "I don't know, we'll just have to find out." Maybe Alice will know.

When we stepped out of our room, Alice and Jasper were there at the same time. She grinned and said: "Oh, Timmain will like her nickname, though you're not the only one to think of it. "I've been trying to look at her future, but there are many blind spots. "She'll probably spend lots of time with the wolves."

Then, just as Carlisle and Esme's door opened, the sound of rushing feet reached us. Déjà vu? I moved over to a window overlooking the yard. Just as I opened it, light thuds surprised me and bare feet flashed by to my left. What the …?!

The scene unfolding before me seemed unreal. All I could do was shake my head and laugh. "What was that? " Rose spat. I explained what I just witnessed, but the look of disbelief didn't leave her face. Alice and Jasper just grinned. Carlisle beamed; "Well, she certainly livens things up around here."

We preceded to go downstairs. - Discovering Leah in the kitchen, helping herself to some food, we were surprised to see her still smiling. She glanced at us and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, she said, this is unusual. "Let's just say I had a good talk with our visitor. "And then we decided on a rematch with a twist." Giving us a quick grin, she returned to her sandwich to take a big bite. "And I'm-m star-ving," she mumbled with her mouth full.

The rest walked in, chatting and beaming. Then Jake brought up my question: "Tell us Timmain, how did you get your name? It's…unusual." It caught her of guard a bit, but she answered happily. "Well, actually, it's not my real name." A tone of mystery in her voice. "I named myself after my favourite comic book heroin, after my change." – What?! – She continued: "My birth-name was quite boring and certainly didn't fit me anymore."

Then, she stopped. Huh? I turned to Edward, but Timmain caught me. – "No, I don't want you to know, she said, it belongs to another life. "Besides, being here, meeting you all, she glanced at Jake and Leah, I like Timmain even more." – I raked my brain, I liked comic books, read a lot of them, but couldn't think of one featuring a girl named Timmain.

Edward responded to my thoughts. "I don't think you would've picked this one Emmet, he said. It's named Elfquest. It features warrior elves and wolves, real wolves, living together. The first of their kind, to change everything, was this heroin, their ancestor if you will." He didn't divulge further. But I got the picture.

It sparked up another conversation with Jake and Leah though. And of course they suggested 'May' as a nickname. Well, at least Alice prepared me. And she was right, as always, so Timmain gained another name. Speaking of our pixie seer, she suddenly glanced down at some feet. "May, she said, sounding a little upset, where are the boots I gave you?" Timmain grinned guiltily; "Ehm, I left them in the tree, I prefer walking barefoot, feel everything ya know." Sorry, she added, but I told you, fancy clothes are wasted on me."

Alice shook her head and left the room a moment. What was she doing? Edward smiled, he knew of course. She came back with a bucket of water, a towel and slippers. "Here, she said, placing the bucket and the towel near the back door, will you at least wash your feet and wear slippers indoors?" She sighed and handed May the slippers. May's lips curled up at the corners; "Of course, if it makes you happy." Quiet laughs erupted everywhere, ok, mine wasn't that quiet. Alice scowled at us, but couldn't help a smile herself.

Enough of this! I grabbed Jasper and dragged him outside. He could feel my excitement. We took our positions in the garden, ready to go at it. Soon others joined us to watch. "Please, Esme begged, leave the trees upright, I like things the way they are." We both nodded, but I couldn't really guarantee anything. She knew that.

We ran towards each other, dodging punches, barely missing grabbing hands. We turned it up a notch quite quickly. Slamming each other into the ground. Growling. I felt pumped, like adrenaline flowed thru my veins. This was my thing! I'm not sure how long we'd been going. Being evenly matched, a stale mate was reached.

Then, Edward spoke; "I don't think that's a good idea May, you have no experience." Jasper and I looked up, a little surprised to see everyone watching now. I cocked an eyebrow; "What are you talking about Edward?" Turning my eyes towards May. She looked intrigued, eyes glistening. Meeting my gaze I saw dare in them. Oh…, for real? Edward nodded.

May reacted: "That looked like fun, can I have a go? I don't know much about fighting, but I have other skills." Standing up straight, I moved toward her. But before I could say anything my Rose intervened. "Emmet, she said loudly, you're not seriously thinking of fighting her are you?" And you, girl, are you for real?! You want to get hurt or something?" None of the women in our family ever asked for a fighting match against us men. Just for the fun of it. Ok, not counting arm-wrestling.

May smiled at Rose. "No, she said, I'm not kidding. I'm not afraid of getting hurt and I like to learn." Everyone stirred in surprise. Carlisle put up his hand, asking for silence. "Ok, he said, if you really want to May, of course we won't stop you." "But, he could see some objecting, there have to be some rules." He looked at me and May sternly.

"One: no ripping of body-parts." – Naturally! I rolled my eyes. - "Two: no biting. Three: try not to break any bones. And last: let's move this match somewhere else, where there's more space." We agreed.

These were standard unwritten rules. It meant pretty much everything else goes. Bella knew of a nice field that could use some clearing. Jake immediately picked up the phone to call the rest of the pack. They always liked a good fight. A change of clothes was also in order. With the snow starting to melt, things were going to get dirty.

May emerged in three quarter worker pants and a shirt with cropped, short sleeves. I had a similar outfit, emphasizing my muscles well. I felt strange inside, excited, but also apprehensive. Should I take it easy on her? It wasn't my style.

On route to the field May walked up beside me. "So, she started, last night you told me you're a betting man." I'd like to wager something on this match." I stopped her and looked at her, eyebrows raised. "Really? Like what?"

She squinted: "Well, if I win, you stop hunting predators, permanently." That was quite the bet, I liked my grizzlies. Hmm, but what to put up in return, my chances were good. "Ok, it's a big thing, but I'll take it. "But, if I win, and I like my chances, you have to let Alice dress you, every day, no complaints." And make-over's whenever she feels like it."

Oh, I liked this! Alice too, she clapped her hands in joy. – May scrunched her nose and sighed. Then she stuck out her hand and we shook on it.

When we arrived, we waited for everyone to be there and started stretching. Not that we really needed that, it's just fun. And we got into a bit of a show off. May demonstrated her flexibility and looked stronger than I thought. Our audience was complete. The wolf-guys started placing bets, all of them favoured me, except Seth. And Leah, but she wasn't willing to wager money on it.

We took our positions on opposite sides of the oval field. She had a wide stance and dug her bare toes into the dirt. Then we both were unsure how to start. After a few seconds we charged towards each other. Eyes focused on the face, hands ready to grab. At the last, split second May averted to the left and jumped straight up. Like a grasshopper.

I was unprepared, but managed to clip one of her feet. She flipped over, but landed easily and was up a tree fast, like she planned. Turning on my heels I followed her, up the adjoining tree. Wow, she already reached the top! But I wasn't nicknamed 'Monkyman' for nothing!

Near her level I could see her working on her next move. She held on with one hand on the end of a branch, her feet against the stem. She started rocking the tree back and forth in my direction. Her tree slammed into mine, which trembled with the force. Again, it slammed mine, with more force this time.

I jumped in her tree, rushing to the other side to get her. Huh?! She wasn't there, she moved to the very tip, it reached my tree while still rocking. I prepared myself for the leap back. But then, the tree swung the other way violently and she flew with it. Catapulting herself yards away into another tree. Impressive!

I went after her like a madman. No way she's going to win! Hell no! - Jumping out of this tree I grabbed her by the arms, pinning her to it. Grinning I told her; "Got you!" But she was grinning too, a daring gleam in her eye. She made a low growling sound, which rumbled and resonated in my chest. It distracted me.

Pulling up her legs she kicked me in the gut. I slammed into the ground, mud plashing up high. Getting up fast I was struck by a fist in the face. I was surprised by the force of it. Shaking my head I blocked a high kick and grabbed her ankle.

I spun around fast, flinging her against some rocks. They crumbled with a loud noise. She got up and we charged each other. Then the fight looked like mine and Jaspers. Both trying to hit and grab, both ducking and narrowly avoiding, picking up speed.

We ended up with our hands locked together, arms stretched out, pushing and pulling. Why wasn't she budging? I'm stronger, I'm sure! This was getting us nowhere, we let go and backed away to our starting positions.

I was breathing fast, like her. We looked at one another. Our faces mirrored each other too. Happy smiles, excitement and pumped up. She was having as much fun as I was. Again we barrelled forward, daring. I forgot about her being a girl, inexperienced. She proved herself worthy. When she was near me, I could see she wanted to jump once more. No way missy, not this time, I thought to myself. I jumped up too, ready to make my final move.

Air, nothing else I got. My eyes went downwards just in time to see her flip backwards and feel both her feet slamming into my chest hard. Flying thru the sky, preparing to land as best I could, I saw her appear above me. Now she had jumped, and she aimed her landing on my chest, crashing us into the ground. Covering us in mud.

Then her hand was around my neck, nails digging into my skin. Her other hand had a firm grip on my hair. Her lips curled up and she beamed: "No, I've got you!" I tried to struggle free, but failed.

Ugh, what, how?! Argh, no! "And the winner is…Timmain!" Edward announced. Seth cheered and so did the women, except Alice. May lowered her head to my ear and whispered: "I'll tell you my secret later." She moved back, letting me go, but remaining seated on my chest. She studied my face, wondering how I felt. Letting out a big sigh, I couldn't help but smile. I moved my arm to shove her off and get up, but she jumped to her feet before I could.

She reached out her hand to assist me. No way, I refused and stumbled to my feet. But I was slick with mud and almost went down again. May grabbed my hand and held me up, steadying me. "Why aren't you slipping?" I asked her confused and annoyed. She looked down and wiggled her toes. Eyes back up, beaming at me she said: "I use them, gripping onto every surface, they make excellent spikes." I shook my head. She was something else.

I tried to wipe of some of the mud, but it was pretty useless, I was soaked. Walking towards my wife I saw her holding up her hands. "No way Emmet McCarty Cullen, she squealed, you don't come near me looking like that!" Ooh, another challenge.. I started stalking her. She ran away, I caught her quick, engulfing her in a big hug, getting the mud all over her. "Ahw, Emmet, she said defeated, no.." She tried to swat me and then started giggling.

I kissed her on the neck and cheek. "So, I asked her, nuzzling her a little, what did you think about this match?" She thought about it and answered: "It was fun and .. surprising." I wanted you to win and didn't like the way you lost.." I furrowed my eyebrows, what did she mean? Then it hit me, ..naughty! "You got some ideas, did you, hmm?" I asked her, lifting her head with my finger and kissing her on the lips. She sighed and smiled into the kiss.

Then we were interrupted, someone cleared his throat behind us. "Come on, stop with de PDA, Jacob said, 'warrior woman' over here isn't done yet." Huh? I turned us around and saw May challenging Jasper now. She was being overconfident. Jazz was the best fighter among us. Yeah, that's hard to admit, but experience proved that to me.

But apparently there was no stopping her and Jazz was preparing to take her on. His jacket was on Alice' arm and his sweater quickly followed, leaving him in a long sleeved shirt. May had cleaned herself up a bit, a towel was hanging from a branch.

They took their positions on either side of the field. Suddenly I realized something; "Wait, what about placing bets?" No one had done that yet. Jake shook his head, just like Quil and Embry. "No, we're not chancing it again, the last one said, we've lost enough money already." Seth was grinning while counting his winnings. I glanced over at the two on the field. May tilted her head; "Well, she said to Jasper, we could bet the same as before." Jazz looked at Alice, looking for advice. She sighed; "Sorry, can't help you there, I don't see a clear win for either of you." He turned toward his opponent. "I will chance it, you're on!"

Things moved fast from that point. But Jasper had the upper hand, getting in the most hits. They paused a moment, staring each other in the eye. There was something in May's, a realisation. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, not moving from her spot. Jazz looked confused, had she guessed her eyes betrayed her? And this was her solution? He charged at her, she didn't budge, until he was inches away from her. Her arm moved to divert his grabbing hand.

How? As he moved past, she clutched his sleeve and ripped it off. A little gasp slipped from Alice' lips. He turned fast, not thinking about the his shirt. Again he attacked, from the back now. But she moved away just in time and ripped off the other sleeve. Now he looked at his bare arms, but not for long. Going at her again, he made an evasive manoeuvre at the last second and jumped up to pounce on her. Her eyes popped open and she grabbed his wrist, slamming him into the ground.

And then, things got strange, suddenly we all felt really relaxed, to the point of not caring about anything, like being high or something. I barely managed to focus my eyes on them. May had Jazz in a headlock. Edward slurred out the sentence: "Again, the winner…Timmainn." Suddenly everything cleared and got back to normal again.

I shook my head, like several others too. What was that? "Sorry, May said, releasing Jasper, it was the only way to win." Edward explained: "She used his gift against him, smart." O, of course. That's why the sleeves. May patted Jazz on the shoulder and smiled. "No hard feelings I hope?" She giggled at her choice of words. He shook his head, also smiling. "No, it's something to think about, for another match." Hmm, we might want to add a new rule.

May walked over to me. She placed a hand on my shoulder. "Now, she said, I'll tell you that secret." Your strength is also a gift." I furrowed my eyebrows. Her lips curled up in a grin. "I copied it, she explained, it felt amazing, matching your power." Ooh, cheat! I waved my fist in her face. But I lowered it quickly, no rules about that. Sigh.

Than, it dawned, I was gifted too, not as cool as my brothers and sisters, but hey! "So, okay, I said, that's good to know, we'll have to be careful touching you then." She nodded and scowled: "Only if you want to fight me and only on the bare skin though." Wow, we had a fun morning and learned something too.

Then Alice said, annoyed: "Come on, let's go home and get you lot cleaned up."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Note:

I had a fun time writing this chapter. Emmet is an easy going guy. Not very philosophical. I could see all this happening. You too?

Strength being a gift, well that might be debatable. But to Timmain it is a gift, so just leave it at that.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx