Chapter 13:
Snake Eyes reached Isabella first before he took a predictable swing at her head which she swiftly dodged and threw one right back. His black gloved hand caught her fist in mid swing, effectively preventing the blow. Needing her hand back, Isabella took a step out towards the black ninja and raised her knee so that she could nail him in his center. When it ran into his hard midsection, though it didn't hurt Snake Eyes, it caused him to release Isabella's hand and retreat back a tiny step. Using that to her advantage, Isabella closed in on her black clad opponent, throwing punches at one area while kicking at others.
Though Snake Eyes was able to block every single blow she threw, he had to admit to himself that she knew what she was doing. And even though she was fairly good at being able to counter his own attacks, Snake Eyes was able to see her one weakness with her fighting strategy. She focuses too much on keeping a strong, front center, which is can be a very decent tactic, but it will leave you vulnerable if your opponent finds a way to break it by attacking from behind. And Snake Eyes knew how to do that.
When Isabella made a move to jab him in his left shoulder, Snake Eyes sidestepped the attack before he swiftly moved behind her. Before Isabella could turn about to face him, Snake Eyes reached around and caught Isabella's neck in the crook of his arm. While she reached up to pry his arm back so she could get out of his head lock, his other arm snaked itself about her waist. Using one leg, Snake Eyes slipped it between Isabella's and knocked her foot out so that her balance would be thrown off. As she stumbled for a quick moment to try and regain her footing, Snake Eyes used his overpowering strength and dragged the young woman down to ground.
Isabella wanted to scream in frustration when she landed right on her stomach with Snake Eyes hovering above her, pressing one knee into her back as he continued to hold her steady in his head lock. When their fight had first started, she was doing pretty well, but then their fight turned into a wrestling match, and now Isabella found herself pinned. Snake Eyes' hold on her was unbreakable. With a huffed sigh, Isabella shifted her head slightly so she could get the words out,
"Alright….I yield." She spoke through gritted teeth.
Behind Snake Eyes' mask, his mouth turned up in a soft smile before he released Isabella and stood up from the ground.
When the weight on her back had disappeared, Isabella pushed herself up off the ground and casually brushed herself off. When she looked up, she saw Snake Eyes standing just a couple feet away, looking at her. She gave a quick nod towards him which he returned before she made a move to pass the well muscled ninja and went to take a place in the ring of men. She walked about three steps before her arm was grabbed and twisted up behind her back, not painfully but enough to make her hiss at the pressure being exerted. When she turned her head to glance over her shoulder, she rolled her eyes when they landed on Snake Eyes.
"Oh, now what do you want?" she groaned in annoyance. His response was firmer grip on her arm. Knowing she wasn't going to get any straight answers from him, she turned her attention on the audience watching. Most of the men watching were trying to contain grins when Isabella spoke out to them, "A little help?"
"Isn't it obvious?" the soldier that Isabella had fought earlier, answered while chucking; "…He wants you to fight."
Isabella stared in disbelief at the soldier, "You have got to be kidding me…" she answered. To confirm the statement himself, Snake Eyes swiftly changed the position of her arm only to give it a forceful lift and jerk that caused her to flip and land flat on her back. She winced softly at the impact but then flashed her now angry eyes up at Snake Eyes who stood standing looking down on her fallen form. Her anger only grew when the black ninja beckoned her up with two fingers as he waited for her to pick herself up off the ground.
"Right." She muttered through her teeth.
Since she was already on the ground, might as well use that to her advantage. In one swift movement, Isabella rotated her body around on the floor so that her legs were pointed right at Snake Eyes before she landed a hard kick to his shins. The blow sent Snake Eyes stumbling back a couple steps, allowing Isabella to jump to her feet before she threw herself at Snake Eyes. The black ninja was ready to meet her head on, like he had been anticipating it. As they continued back and forth, giving hits only to be blocked at the last minuet, Isabella actually found herself breaking sweat. And if Snake Eyes was as well, you wouldn't be able to tell because of his well masked being.
When given a free opportunity, Isabella pulled back from the fight and placed some distance between her and the black ninja to catch her breath. Panting, Isabella raised a hand up and used the back to wipe away the beads of sweet forming on her forehead as she kept her eyes locked on Snake Eyes form. Most fights that Isabella's ever been in, it'd start off with her making the first move and it end with her finishing it off.
"But with him…" she thought to herself, her eyes quickly analyzing Snake Eyes. It's simply not the same. In hopes of turning the tables, Isabella decided that instead of going to him, he'd just have to come to her.
Pacing back and forth across the floor, waiting patiently for Isabella to rejoin him, Snake Eyes couldn't help the tiny smile pulling on his lips as he watched the young woman. He could tell by her body language that she was a bit frustrated but nonetheless was also determined to come out on top which was why she hadn't given up yet.
"I'm waiting." Isabella called over to him as she took up her fighting stance, lightly switching her weight back and forth on the balls of her feet, the way a boxer would do when readying himself for a fight. Snake Eyes didn't have to be told twice. As he lunged for Isabella, she quickly performed a smooth roundhouse kick aimed at his upper chest. But the ninja was a lot faster than she had estimated and ended up catching her foot in mid air.
"Oh crap…" she swore underneath her breath before Snake Eyes twisted her ankle slightly while cleanly knocking Isabella right off her feet. Landing on her side this time, Isabella, too pumped up with adrenaline to feel the impact of her fall, quietly grunted in anger at her second defeat. Of course, it wasn't enough for Isabella to just end up on the ground. As she pushed herself up on her knees, taking her time, Snake Eyes had one of her arms grabbed and restrained tightly behind her while he used his other hand to unsheathe his katana from his back which he then brought about her front to press the blade against her neck while the onlookers applauded seeing the fight had once again been brought to an intense end before they all scattered off in their own directions.
Isabella tensed when she felt the cool, sharp metal touch the bare skin on her neck. Then releasing a long, held breath, Isabella surprisingly relaxed herself in Snake Eyes hold to show her surrender. But when the black clad ninja choose to not stand down, she frowned and rolled her eyes before she started listing off commands.
"Sit…" she mumbled, "…stay….heal!" she finished. And go figure, he didn't appreciate being spoken to like a dog. When Snake Eyes pressed his blade firmer into her throat, Isabella's eyes narrowed before she called out to anyone who would listen,
"Can someone please call him off?" she asked irritably.
Distinctive female laughter reached Isabella's ears, followed by a pair of footsteps. Not bothering to contain herself, Isabella groaned out loud, knowing full well who that voice belonged to.
" Having fun over here?" Scarlet asked as she came around to Isabella's view. And she wasn't alone; General Hawk was with her too. Both had amused smirks on their faces as they stared down on Isabella's kneeling form.
"The time of my life…" Isabella grumbled sarcastically in response before she turned her head slightly to address the black ninja standing behind her, "Do you mind?" she demanded sharply.
Chuckling, General Hawk shook his head before he nodded at Snake Eyes, "Alright Snake, let her up." He ordered.
And just like that, Snake Eyes released his grip on Isabella's arm and stepped back, sheathing his deadly blade back on his back. With a huffed sigh, Isabella rose to her feet and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Thank you." She said nodding once over at the General in gratitude who smiled in response.
"So…" General Hawk began, "How has training been going, Lieutenant?" he asked.
Isabella took in a deep breath, "S'well sir." She replied dully, her eyes darting over to where Snake Eyes stood. The black ninja was silently signing things to Scarlet who in return was nodding her head in understanding.
"Good, good." The General replied, "….So far, from what I've been informed of and what I have just witnessed, things are going smoothly, Lieutenant." He added with a nod of approval, "…keep up the good work."
Taking that as a dismissal, Isabella nodded respectfully, "Where to now, sir?" she asked.
Right as the General opened his mouth to give Isabella her next instructions, Snake Eyes turned towards his commanding officer and starter signing things to him. Hawk watched the black ninja patiently as he expressed what was on his mind before a look of deep consideration came across the General's face.
"Hmm…" he murmured softly. For some reason, Isabella had a feeling that she didn't like where this was going. Her feelings were confirmed when General Hawk turned back to her, "It seems…" he started off, "….that Snake Eyes would like to work with you one on one." He stated causing Isabella to gape blankly at him. "He wants to try a few things with you on a different level before you're released to Heavy Duty."
Coming back to her senses, Isabella quickly shook off the stunned look upon her face before she gathered her wits about her and softly cleared her throat,
"Ahem...General," she began professionally, "I'm sure that's a…a…wonderful opportunity," she stated, hiding the sarcasm in her voice before she turned her accusing gaze onto the black ninja, "….but I really don't think Snake Eyes wants to trouble himself with one such as me." She finished as she stared over into the hidden face of the ninja right across from her.
Though his masked face was expressionless on the outside, on the inside Snake Eyes was silently laughing. Even when their not duking it out in an arena, this woman insisted on putting up a fight with him.
"How interesting…" he thought to himself. Raising his black gloved hands up, he quickly signed something over to Isabella.
Isabella licked her dry lips as she watched his hands move before she glanced over at Scarlet to translate. The pretty redhead smiled quickly at her ninja friend before turning her attention onto Isabella, "Snake Eyes insists." She stated in an all too sweet tone. Isabella frowned before she turned her gaze back onto the General who was looking more amused then ever.
"Sir…" Isabella began in a serious tone, "Trust me…that last thing you want to do is put me and him together." She informed while she softly jerked her head in Snake Eyes' direction. General Hawk threw his head back and let out a bellowing laugh in response before he reached a hand out and clapped Isabella on the shoulder.
"Oh come now Lieutenant," he answered with a chuckled, "What could possibly happen?" he returned.
"We'll kill each other." She replied bluntly.
General Hawk grinned while rolling his blue eyes, "Pssh…I think you're exaggerating." He answered, "Surely there's not that much tension between the two of you." He stated while his eyes went back and forth from Isabella to his ninja soldier.
"Oh you have no idea…" Isabella mumbled while she glanced over at Snake Eyes to find him staring back. She almost did a double take when she could've sworn that a corner of his mouth hidden by his mask turned upwards in a smile.
"Well Lieutenant, I'm sorry that you feel this way." General Hawk stated, drawing the young woman's attention back onto him, "…but Snake Eyes has been left in charge of you for this part of your training. So whatever he says…goes." He informed.
Isabella, keeping her face composed, was mentally smacking her head up against a brick wall. "Perfect…." She grumbled sarcastically.
Another chuckle came from the General before he gave Isabella's shoulder an encouraging squeeze before he drew his hand back, "Tell you what though…" he added, "…why don't you take a quick, ten minuet break?" he offered while he walked over to where Scarlet stood. "Get some water…do some stretching…."
"Your gonna need it." Scarlet added in whisper. Whether or not Isabella was meant to hear it, Scarlet's words reached Isabella's ears and as her head snapped in the direction of Scarlet, her eyebrows rose up at the quiet threat,
"Excuse me?" she returned. Her only response was a devious smirk before Scarlet pivoted on her heels and strolled off without another word. Isabella glared resentfully at the redhead's retreating form before she turned her intense gaze back onto General Hawk. General Hawk shrugged his shoulders softly before he too started to walk off,
"As you were." He stated, ending the discussion before Isabella could protest further. Once he had also disappeared from sight, Isabella fumingly shook her head as she stared off in the direction that the two had wandered off in. With a quick roll of her eyes, Isabella turned about and practically jumped in surprise when she found Snake Eyes standing a couple feet away in front of her. Staring her straight in the face, he raised his black, well muscled arm up and lightly tapped his wrist with a finger, reminding Isabella that she was on a time limit.
Glaring up into his masked face, Isabella stalked around the black ninja while his dark head followed her movements with interest. "Thanks for the memo." She muttered as she passed on by and made her way down to the other end of the training room that she was in, the end where she had not yet been to. Seeing that there was nothing extremely special about this side of the room, Isabella located an exit and left, stepping out into one of the many corridors.
"Ok…" she spoke to herself, "….now what?" she asked out loud quietly, her head turning to see which way she wanted to go. Deciding to head left, Isabella took about three steps before an enthusiastic voice called her name from behind. Quickly glancing behind her, Isabella spotted Ripcord, Duke and Breaker approaching. Putting a friendly smile on her face, Isabella turned to greet the trio of men.
"Hey guys." She welcomed.
"Man, how's it going, girl?" Ripcord replied with a huge grin on his face.
"What have you been up to?" Duke added in behind Ripcord.
Isabella shrugged a shoulder, "Same stuff as you," she answered, "…just training."
"Well then what are you doing out here all by yourself?" Breaker stepped in curiously; like always, he was carrying in his arms his lap top and all the rest of his precious tech gear.
"Oh…well I've just been granted a quick break." She replied.
"A break?" Ripcord repeated, "Lucky! How long?" he questioned.
Isabella smiled softly and glanced down at the floor, "A whole ten minuets." She answered before adding sarcastically, "Woo…"
Duke chuckled and shook his head, "Ten minuets, huh?"
"Yeah I know, go crazy right?" she replied while she looked back up at the men watching her and smiled. They all chuckled in response before Ripcord cocked his head to the side as he studied Isabella,
"Hey girl, what'cha 'breaking' from?" he asked. Isabella could read the curiosity on his face and sighed,
"Ninja boy." She answered unexcitedly. Ripcord made a face of dramatic pain,
"Ouch." He stated while he brought a hand up and scratched his head.
"Tell me about it." Isabella agreed while shaking her head, "When my break is over, I've been ordered to spend some one on one time with the guy because apparently he wants to bump my training up a notch."
Duke reached out and lightly patted Isabella on her shoulder, "Good luck with that." He stated sympathetically.
Shrugging a shoulder, Isabella brushed the comment off, "Personally, I'm not even sure if I'll return to him to finish our….session." she confessed. "I'm so tempted right now to just bail." She added.
Breaker clicked his tongue cautiously, "I don't know if you should do that…" he warned. "It'd be pretty pointless to try anyway." He added.
Isabella raised an eyebrow up at the computer wiz's words, "Meaning?" she inquired.
"Firstly, I don't know anyone who would even think about skipping out on a session with him, and secondly even if you did, chances are he'd just go out and find you, wherever you are." He answered.
Isabella rolled her eyes, "Great, so he's a master at sword fighting and martial arts and now what? You're saying he's also a tracker?" she returned.
"To put it in plain words for you?" Breaker replied, "Yes." He finished with a nod of his head.
Sighing, Isabella shook her head before she walked over and leaned her back up against the wall, "To run….or not to run…that is the question." she mocked out loud while closing her eyes.
"Well I hope you've figured out the answer to that one." Ripcord stated, his head staring back into the doorway that led inside the training arena. The other two men mimic his action before chuckling softly.
Without even opening her eyes, Isabella replied. "Why?"
"Because your ninja boy is on his way over right now."
