Metamorphosis

Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N:

Chapter 29 (Craft doesn't make the Man)

"So you two decided to show up." Trina looked to see Jason smirking at the other end of the classroom; he was standing in front of his desk and had his arms crossed. The other students were standing about and waiting-evidently for them. "You're about five minutes late."

"My fault," Lindsay admitted. The girl walked ahead of Trina and smiled at Jason and Travis. "I was taking a nap. It's been a long night. Of course Trina had to get a letter mailed to her sister, so you understand how that goes." Jason raised an eyebrow and his eyes moved towards Trina.

She glanced back at him with an equal smirk, narrowing her eyes in the process. "Am I in trouble for tardiness?" She approached the front and pulled her ponytail up, then flung it over her shoulder. "Whatever shall my punishment be?"

He motioned for her to follow him as he walked behind his desk. She hesitated for a second, then moved to his side. "I was a little late too," he whispered, "I should warn you, everyone in this group has been asking about that." Her head jerked back and she chuckled nervously. Jason was typically the most punctual person around, so the fact that he was tardy was a big deal.

"Well. You did wake up late this morning, but what kept you." She watched his eyes dart over to Travis, then sighed. "Lindsay stopped me and started asking a bunch of questions, she said Travis was probably doing the same?"

"Yeah. Who would have thought our own best friends would have guessed so easily?" They had to credit Travis and Lindsay both, the couple knew them better than anyone. "What do we tell people if they ask, Trina? I'd just as soon tell them to mind their own business, but it's up to you."

"Let them think what they want." She didn't care what the group said, nor did she care about the gossip. "All that matters is what we have…" Jason smiled at her and leaned over his desk a bit. His hands pushed forward on the surface and his head bowed.

"Yeah, I agree." She started to turn, but stopped when she heard him say her name. "One more thing.:" She looked over her shoulder, moving her eyes into his. His lips curled into a tiny smile and his eyes softened. "I love you." Her heart fluttered and the ground changed to sky as she turned back towards him.

"I…I love you too." It felt so freeing to be able to say it, and she didn't care if half the group heard her or not. Part of her wanted to embrace him, to kiss him, but she thought better of it. Still, she was curious if Dr. Wyatt would care if they shared one quick kiss. "I'll get into line."

"Will you be alright in class? You were a little shaky earlier…"

"I'm fine." She moved to her spot in the front and waited as Jason walked to his spot before everyone. Behind her she heard some of the group members chatting about the two of them being late and looking different than usual. It startled her since she didn't think they seemed to be different at all.

"Alright gang, here's the thing." Jason's eyes moved into Trina's and softened for a split moment before sharpening and darting back to the group. "Tomorrow we have a group of college kids coming to visit. A class of wrestlers that has their semester long field trip, they like to stop by our camp on the trip…I know I don't need to remind you to be civilized."

"This the same group that comes around each year?" Someone asked. Jason nodded and Trina started to look around with concern, some group members were groaning while those like her were just as confused.

"Every year that class of arrogant assholes comes to visit," stated one of the students. "They go on and on about how they know how to beat martial artists because martial artists need to have distance in order to fight…but Jason here always tells us to let up and leave them alone. So we can't show them up."

"We teach respect and patience here," Jason replied, "We cannot afford to 'show up' a group of college kids on a field trip. No matter how much we want to." His eyebrow rose and he turned to pace towards the right.

The door to the class opened up and Dr. Wyatt walked in. Everyone turned their heads while Jason stood at full attention with his wrists locked behind his back. "Jason I've got some staff running to the other counselors here, my information is incorrect. The college kids are coming today."

"Oh?" Half of the class groaned, earning a sharp glare from Jason. "We will treat them with respect. Bite your tongue if they try to provoke you." He took his wrists from behind his back and his chest expanded slowly. "For those of you who don't know, these are a group of students from Colorado State University. They come each year during their semester long field trip, since the students are a group of, usually wrestlers or boxers. Typically any form of combat athletics will join them, but mostly boxers and athletes."

"And they think they're superior," cried out one of the veteran students in anguish. "For once I'd like to put them in their place."

"That is unacceptable behavior."

Trina rolled her head to the right, thinking back to Colorado. She knew one of her exes moved there a few years ago, but she wasn't sure which one. It wasn't something she wanted to think about, but simply couldn't help it.

"What if they get out of hand, Jason? Come on."

He rolled his eyes and grit his teeth. "If they get out of hand, I will deal with it." Trina saw his body was already tense, as it had been since he brought up the field trip. It was likely these kids annoyed him too.

He looked at her and started to smile. "I swear," he said with a soft whisper as his body relaxed. "I'm almost glad this is my last year here." She smiled back at him. He cleared his throat and turned to Dr. Wyatt. "Do you know when they are expected to arrive, sir?"

"They arrived about ten minutes ago, actually. One of the staff is giving them a tour of the facilities." The class groaned and broke away, moving towards the walls. Jason exhaled and Trina approached him, still curious about the group.

"What's everyone's problem with the field trip people?" He pulled his lips back and lifted his shoulders.

"They're not wrong, the group tends to have a few people in there that act all superior. At least one tends to make a challenge saying the want to put someone in their place, but I don't allow it."

"Why not?"

"Walk with me, we'll have to meet this group." He started for the door and she followed after him. The others were gathering up their items, preparing to head out as well.

"Martial Arts isn't about putting someone in their place, it's used as a defense." Jason tightened the belt around his waist and his brow furrowed as he peered down. "The defense of self, the defense of others. Defending someone's honor, even."

"I understand that."

"Right. Humility is a major component, we do not fight to be superior" He smirked and leaned towards her. "Even if we know we can put someone in their place."

"Well if they issue a challenge, why not accept?"

"Because anyone that wants to respond to a challenge isn't responding for the right reason. They're responding because they're being provoked to fight, provoked to prove they're superior. They aren't defending anyone or anything by accepting a fight issued by a boxer or wrestler. You have to also remember that boxers, wrestlers, they don't abide necessarily by the same rules as we do."

"Have you ever sparred with one, Jason?"

"I have." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder and she looked back to see him pointing at Travis. "Travis is adept at boxing more than I am, he prefers it to martial arts but still trains." Her mouth opened into an oval and her eyebrows shot up. "He's taught me to be able to go up against a boxer in combat while I've taught him to deal with martial arts. The thing is, even a boxer needs to be respectful, it's something that is taught, to show respect in combat…the problem everyone's having is that there are those students who just don't get that."

"There's always going to be someone in it for the wrong reason too."

"Right. If you're fighting for sheer power and dominance, then you're in it for the wrong reason."

"One of my exes was into that sort of thing. Boxing, wrestling. He used to make me watch professional boxing all the time." They turned a corner and Jason hummed contemplatively. She furrowed her brow and studied the group amassing in front of the main center. "Marcus."

"The abusive one?"

"Yeah. I wanted to say, I remember he moved to Colorado a few years ago. It seems like boxing would be just his thing, but probably for power and dominance."

"Marcus?" Jason ran his finger over his chin and continued humming. "Loud and boisterous, perhaps?"

"Yeah, he always had to make a scene. He needed everybody to know he was there."

"Strange, there has been someone named Marcus that showed up with those field trips for the last two or three years now. I doubt it's the same person, but I seem to recall he was in his senior year of high school the first time, he's usually the one member of that group trying to start fights and issuing challenges all over the place."

"Likely a coincidence." She hoped so at least, but now that he brought this up, she couldn't get rid of the growing pit in her stomach. Unfortunately the closer they got to the group, the more she heard a familiar ranting.

Behind them a student shouted at Jason, saying the group of students was already starting to create an uproar. Jason sighed and put his hand up.

"Relax!" A wrinkle popped up between his eyebrows and he rushed forward to the makeshift stage that was outside the main building. The stage was for people who were speaking and was also used for the fun tournaments and sparring matches that the camp would have.

"Alright! Can I have your attention!" He held his hands up and Trina chuckled as she approached the group. Several of her fellow campers were coming from all direction, each being taken out of their classes for this. The field trip students turned towards Jason, each listening earnestly. "I want to extend a welcome to all of you…"

There was a sudden hush that fell over them and his voice faded off as she felt the sensation of watchful eyes upon her. When she looked to the group, she saw him.

Standing tall and with a slightly large build, though not as muscular as either Jason or Travis, and with long sandy blonde hair pulled into a ponytail was her ex-boyfriend, Marcus.

He didn't change much aside from his physique being larger. His hands were balled into tight fists and veins were bulging from his arms and hands. His nostrils flared and a pair of bushy eyebrows came crashing together like two vehicles in the midst of an accident.

Marcus had a stud earing in his right earlobe and was wearing a white tank with long baggy pants.

She put her hand over her mouth and felt a pang of fear like a knife to the heart. Thinking fast, she turned and walked away as fast as she could, hoping Marcus didn't see her.

Trina moved around to the side of the rec center and pressed her back to the wall, panting heavily as her heart beat against her. Her head throbbed as the memories of the abuse she suffered at Marcus's hands played throughout her mind.

Marcus was a year or two older than she was, but they'd been in the same grade since he was held back.

"Well, well, well." Her body tensed and her eyes widened as the slick voice entered her ears. Marcus walked around the corner, then slammed his right forearm above her head. She gasped out and turned her head away. His piercing black eyes burned into her and his thin lips were twisted into a virulent snarl. "Fancy seeing you here babe, long time no see. I wouldn't have pegged you for a lame martial artist."

Her breathing grew shallow and she remained silent, refusing to talk or look at him. As he growled, his hot breath fell against her face and burned as though it were poison.

"I'd watch it if I were you," she whispered finally, "My boyfriend's the chief counselor in command here." Marcus threw his head back, laughing uproariously.

"That pussy? I don't know what surprises me more, that some guy would think you're worth his time, or that you're dating the one guy that shuts everyone up every year." Marcus shifted his body to the side and raised his left hand towards her face. She gasped as his hand clamped around her jaw and forced her to look at him.

"I remember the first year I came here, senior year of high school as part of college credit. All I wanted to do was prove martial artists are nothing but shit-talkers with their respect and honor, but that little asshole up there managed to get everyone to turn down my challenges. Each year he did, saying it wasn't 'right'."

"What do you want?"

"Oh nothing, until I saw you were here." He chuckled softly and narrowed his eyes. "I thought maybe you and I could settle an old score." A violent sneer spread across his face and his voice darkened. I still have that scar your father gave me, you know? I so enjoyed the beating…daddy's little princess."

Her body jerked forward and she felt his hands strike her chest, causing her to fall towards the ground. She screamed out as a shock of pain pulsed through the arm that struck the ground.

"Come on Vega." She looked up as his shadow fell over her. Marcus cracked his knuckles and a darkness came over his eyes. "Let's see what martial arts has taught you. Get up and fight me. You never have."

Trina rolled onto her back and pulled her hand over to her left arm, hissing through her teeth as Marcus approached her. Tears welled up in her eyes and she watched his hands lower, swaying at his sides as he moved.

"Here's the thing. I'm not scared of your 'boyfriend' because he's never had the audacity to fight anyone. I don't worry about you because all you know is martial arts, which is chump combat anyway. Real fighters prefer power, real fighters prefer dominance. Real fighters go the way of boxing, wrestling, fists."

"You're wrong. That's not what it's about. It's about defense…"

"Oh? Well defend yourself." He spread his arms out and started to laugh. "Come on Trina." He slid his hands towards her and curled his fingers inward, taunting her. "Hit me. Hit me like you never had the guts to do before. Defend your honor and all that martial arts respect mumbo jumbo."

Marcus threw his head back and started laughing, his body shook with each deep bellow. "Oh this is too rich. I can kill two birds with one stone, and it's so easy! Not only do I get to show everyone how weak martial artists really are, I can beat the shit out of my ex-girlfriend at the same time."

She wanted to fight back, but fear had begun to paralyze her, to the point all she could do was raise her arms in front of her face to try and deflect the coming blows. "I need to remember to take a picture, I'll send it to your fath-"

Marcus screamed out as a crashing noise erupted. Trina lowered her arm and looked up, with astonishment. Jason had slammed Marcus into the wall and was holding the man's wrists against the wall while smashing his foot down against Marcus's feet.

Lindsay pulled Trina up from the ground and held her close as Travis started to approach Jason and Marcus. "Stay back," Jason growled. Travis stepped back, raising his hands up.

Several of the college group and campers were surrounding them now, watching with shocked expressions as Jason scowled into Marcus's face. "How's that feel?" Jason shouted. "Huh? I know what people like you are like. Abusive, weak minded people, brash and vocal. All talk, weak when someone finally stands up to you."

He turned his head to the right and his voice became frighteningly deep. "Let tell you how this is going to end. You try to strike me when I let you go, you will end up on the floor."

"Fight him!" One student cried out. Jason rolled his eyes and Trina pulled her hand up to her chest. The last thing she wanted was a fight to break out. "He was hurting your girlfriend."

Lindsay shouted back at the student to shut up. "I doubt a fight is what anyone wants to see." Jason narrowed his eyes as Marcus started to laugh.

"You and your class are free to tour the camp…" Jason's hands tightened around Marcus's wrists and his foot moved away from the man. "You and your class may freely interact with the majority of campers here, but one thing I will ask of you. Stay the hell away from my girlfriend, and do not cause trouble."

Marcus jerked his body, unable to break free from Jason's grip and only causing the constriction to tighten. "Fine," Marcus replied, "I'll leave her alone."

"Thank you." Jason released the man and turned his back to him. "There is nothing more to see here." Trina's chest started to ache and tears slid down her cheeks. She reached her hand out and smiled as Jason moved towards her.

Marcus began to seethe, his glare darkening and his lips pulled apart to reveal clenched teeth. "I said nothing about some pansy, punk-ass jackass that thinks he's better than me." Jason closed his eyes and exhaled as Marcus started for him.

"Just have to have that challenge don't you?" Jason spun around as Marcus threw a fist towards his back. Trina's eyes widened and her hands flew over her mouth, but sure enough Jason managed to push his palm into Marcus's arm and deflect the blow.

"Fine." Jason leapt back, his heels slid into the dirt and his eyes studied Marcus as the monster turned to him. "With Dr. Wyatt's approval, I accept your challenge."

Resounding gasps of surprise echoed from the campers, and then silence fell over them. Dr. Wyatt stepped forward, looking at Jason with great concern. "Jason? You're certain? We have always said it is inappropriate to fight for the wrong reasons."

"If I can be direct, I'm defending her honor." Dr. Wyatt looked to Trina, then back to Jason. "This isn't a revenge thing, this isn't putting someone in their place…"

"To be fair, he did throw the first punch. I approve of this match…however, the instructor-"

"Do it," replied the coach. The coach had his arms crossed and was glaring with great disapproval at Marcus. "He's wished for a match with someone here for several years, let him get what he wants."

"Trina?" She looked at Dr. Wyatt, her lips were trembling and every muscle in her body was shaking violently. "I do not know your history with this man, aside from it sounds as though he is an ex of yours." She nodded and Jason looked at her with concern. "It falls on you."

"Screw your respect," Marcus laughed. In an instant he was charging Jason and throwing a punch. "Let's get it over with. I'll have fun not only putting you in your place, but letting your dumbass girlfriend watch the beating you're about to get."

Jason rolled his eyes and leaned his torso sideways, turning his head as Marcus's punch sailed by him. "Kick his ass!" Travis proclaimed to Jason. "I'd be right there with you, but-"

"I prefer you stay with the girls at the moment." Jason deflected a right jab to his waist, then crouched low as Marcus roared in anger. "Remember this, campers. When fighting someone full of rage and anger, all you really need to do is be on the defense. No unnecessary offensive strikes, just defensive and whatever is necessary to subdue the attacker who is blinded by rage."

"I am not blind!" Marcus twisted his torso and sent his right elbow sailing towards Jason's face. Trina looked away, but glanced back almost immediately when Jason caught Marcus's elbow in his hand. "Damn it!"

Marcus twisted his neck around and glared sideways at Jason. His lips twisted into a smirk. "So, are you screwing her yet?" Jason's expression remained stoic and his head tilted to the right. "Who knew all it would take to get you in a fight was for you to start slippin' it to my ex, huh?"

"Hey!" Travis stepped forward, putting his hands around his mouth. "If you don't drop his ass right now, Jason, I'm going to get in there and do it myself."

"Relax." Jason put his right hand to Marcus's back and pushed, causing Marcus to stumble forward. "It's clear provocation. What have I always said? Do not let the enemy provoke you. They will try, and if they succeed, you will lose your guard."

"You can't tell me this guy isn't pissing you off."

"Oh he is." Jason's eyelids fell halfway and he flared his nostrils. "No worries there."

Marcus swung both his arms forward in an attempt to grab Jason in a hold, but Jason lunged his hands up-grabbing both of Marcus's wrists and then he pushed himself up against the man. He twisted Marcus's wrist behind his back, holding Marcus in place.

"Hey Marcus, guess what?" Marcus grunted and struggled to break from Jason's hold. "You may have to deal with your classmates later, do you know why? Because you have potentially just cost them the privilege to ever visit this camp again. Tell me, was it worth it?"

Jason yanked Marcus back and twisted him around to face his now angered class. He clamped his hands tightly around the man's wrists and hummed. "This match is officially over, Marcus. You lose…I give you back to your class."

He pushed Marcus forward and the man screamed as his classmates caught him in their arms and held him still.

Relieved that the fighting was over, Trina rushed towards Jason and threw her arms around him. Her heart was still racing and her body continued to tremble with panic as Jason put a secure arm around her waist.

"It's alright," he whispered to her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in an attempt to steady her shaky breathing. Jason looked out at the large group and then to Marcus.

"You've been trying to say a boxer is better than a martial artist. Neither is better than the other. Like a weapon, the technique you learn is a tool, the mastery and the person using it determines its strength."

Trina opened her eyes and looked to Marcus, listening as Jason's calm voice soothed the panic inside her. "When you learn a skill, a combat technique, no matter what it is…you do so either because you want to defend and protect or you are simply interested in learning it." Jason breathed out slow and shook his head. "Using it to provoke, to abuse, to start a fight or suggest you are better than somebody is learning for the wrong reason." Marcus tried to pull away from his classmates, but he had at least five hands on either arm.

"Asshole!" Marcus screamed. "You didn't even swing."

"I didn't have to. If you fight angry, and when you're angry, all anyone has to do is remain calm and they can subdue you." He shrugged and looked at Trina with a smile. "You okay?" She nodded and buried her face into his shoulder as he glanced to Dr. Wyatt. "Sir, I apologize, but I'm going to have to take the rest of the day off…"

"Understood," the man replied, "I will deal with the class." Dr. Wyatt scratched his beard and gazed upon the coach leading the field trip students. "Sadly, thanks to Marcus's actions today, Jason's right in we may have to revoke the privilege of letting your group visit our campsite during coming years. I'm sorry."

"I understand," the coach replied sorely, "Perhaps we can discuss this further?"

"We will, in my office. First, there is the matter of dealing with your student…"

"He will have to be sent home, and will be given a failing grade for the course." Marcus growled vehemently. The coach shook his head and swept his fingers across his brow. "I pray we can work something out, not all of my students feel as he does, but I understand if the right is lost. Future field trips will have to be modified. Regardless."

As people began to focus on the two leads, Trina heard Jason and looked up as he whispered to her. "Let's get out of here." She honestly didn't want him to take the day off to worry about her, but she had a feeling he'd do so anyway.

"You don't need to baby me."

"I'm not, but I think both of us can benefit from a break."

"Yeah…"

Thoughts? Marcus got what he deserved, that's for sure.