Chapter 8 - Training Day
Cassie
I woke up next to Vic the day after some cult attacked him and my dad. According to him, they had initially been after my dad. Either way, that's not ok. All the more reason why I wanted to actually learn how to defend myself as well as use my powers. I knew some basics thanks to my dad but that's all it was. Basic. I would like to be able to do what Kiera Acker could do. With all those quick punches, kicks and flips. Fujin was more than willing to help. Now that the whole story about how my baby lost his parents was out there, Vic was more determined than ever to bring them to justice. I did warn him last night that if I caught him fighting that cult by himself I would kick his ass into next week. But right now, he was sleeping. I looked down at him after getting out of bed and putting my pants back on. I couldn't help but smile. He looked so peaceful. I ran my hand lightly down his face. He muttered "Cass-hole" before rolling over. I rolled my eyes and put my shirt back on too and started to make my way downstairs to get some breakfast.
Fujin was already downstairs…working on a kite of all things. I'll admit, that was unexpected. Must be one of his hobbies. You don't typically see people flying kites anymore. He looked up when he heard me approach.
"Ahh good morning Miss Cage!" he said. "I trust you are ready for today's lesson?" I nodded. I even remembered to pack a pair of workout clothes this time that I intended to change into after eating something.
"We have more bagels but sadly, no eggs. A shame too, else I would have made waffles," he said. I smiled and popped another bagel in the toaster.
"Happy to be back with Vic again," Fujin asked when I sat down across from him. His kite had the design of a god of lightning on it. It was kinda cute. Wonder if it's supposed to be an exaggerated version of his brother Raiden. Vic mentioned that guy had lightning powers.
"Yeah," I said. "It's like…like nothing changed." Fujin smiled.
"Those who love us are never truly gone from our hearts," he said. "He often told me that you were his number 1. I approve of his choice to be with you once more." I smiled. I owe Vic a nice long hug later.
"What about you Fujin," I asked. "Anyone special for you?"
"I have had only a few longer term relationships with women in the past unlike what Vic tells you. As of right now, no. I've been keeping my promise to my sister about keeping Vic safe," Fujin explained. That sounds about right. I had a feeling Vic was exaggerating about his uncle, and I quote, "pulling all the women he wants."
"You were close to Vic's mom weren't you? Like as kids?" I asked, wanting to know more about my teacher. Fujin nodded.
"She was close to both myself and Raiden. He didn't show it, but Raiden was completely shattered when Hikari left us. I was a little more forgiving than he was. As you know, I was the one that reconnected first," Fujin stated. "Kimi doesn't remember but I was present at her first birthday and she called me 'Foo-jee' all day. I remember…how Hikari laughed at it." Fujin clenched his fist and clamped his eyes shut in anger. Not at me. But at those Black Dragon bastards that took Vic's parents from the world.
I quickly decided to change the subject. Get his mind clear lest he actually hurt me later.
"So, did Vic's music taste annoy you at first?" I asked. I saw Fujin revert back to his cheery self.
"Hmm? Oh no. I've been known to enjoy a good hard rock song," he answered. "I particularly liked the band calling themselves, what was it…ahh yes! 'Pizza Death.' Quite funny." I nearly spat out my sip of coffee.
"Pizza Death?" I asked incredulously. There was no way. But Fujin nodded.
"Oh yes, they have a song entitled 'Napalm Cheese'." he answered. From upstairs, I heard Vic shout "NAPALM CHEESE!" before he came into view. Fujin smiled at him when he appeared. I did too.
"Sleep well?" Fujin asked. Last night, he had been a little fidgety and was freaking out about that cult but I managed to calm him down with soft embraces and reassurances that I loved him.
"I mean I guess," Vic muttered and pulled open the fridge with a little more vigor than usual. Fujin and I exchanged a glance. He held up his hand and made a sort of "wait, let him calm down" kind of gesture. Vic made himself a bowl of cereal and some toast and sat down next to me. Then he levitated a glass of chocolate milk over to himself and took a nice swig. I saw the anger leave his face after he smacked his lips and said "Ahh!" Fujin gave me a small smile as if saying "see?"
"Been messing with your kite again uncle?" Vic asked. Fujin nodded.
"For some reason, it calms me down," he responded.
"What about that time I saw you pretty much frolicing around the yard like a buffoon with it once?" Vic said with a smirk. Fujin nearly dropped his toaster pastry in surprise. Vic had already pulled out his phone and showed me exactly what he just described. Fujin frolicing around the back yard of his house with a kite, occasionally getting dragged around by it. You could hear Vic's stifled laughter in the video too.
"That, was for showing her that one video of me," Vic said and took a bite of cereal. Fujin smirked back at him.
"Touche," he said. "Miss Cage, you do know he's written a song about you right?" Oh he did, did he? Vic turned red. Touche right back at you handsome. I smirked at him alongside Fujin.
"I uh…had it…written for…before…" he said. I pecked him on the cheek and said "When I win today, you play it for me. Deal?"
Later. In Fujin's Home Training Area.
Sometime after breakfast, I was walking into the basement of Fujin's house where I came upon an indoor dojo. Complete with wooden weapons, practice dummies and a water cooler in the corner. I was the first one down here as Vic was still in the shower (I heard him singing to himself as I passed) and Fujin had run to the store. He had told me to get acquainted with the space. The floor was covered in spring-like mats rather than hardwood. I myself was not wearing any shoes and the mats did feel rather soft under my feet. A picture caught my eye as I was looking around the area. Upon closer inspection, I saw 3 people. 2 men and 1 woman. This must have been Fujin, Vic's Mom and his brother Raiden when they were much younger. Fujin had white hair even back then and Vic's mom's smile was just as radiant then as I remember. She always flashed it at me whenever she saw me kiss her son. Fujin's brother Raiden looked extremely similar to him, but he was slightly taller. I could honestly see traces of Vic's features in both Fujin and Raiden. Mainly in the hair and a bit of the eyes but Vic definitely had his mom's hair and smile. I smiled at the 3 of them and then cursed that one guy, Zayne or whatever that ripped this family apart. More than once even.
I heard the mat creek behind me and quickly turned to see Vic standing there in shorts and a sleeveless workout shirt. His hair was down for once and those arms. Wait…focus Cassie. Not here. Later. After he plays you his song. Just like back in the old days. He held up his hand and told me to "come here." Then punched both of his pectorals and clasped his hands behind his back. Was…was he telling me to punch him in the stomach? Well ok handsome. I squared off with him and threw a punch, but he grabbed my hand and flipped me onto the floor. Not hard but still. That was a little embarrassing! He helped me to my feet.
"Good, but try not to lean forward so much. Throws you off balance," he said. I tried again, this time taking in his advice. My fist connected with his stomach and made a soft smacking sound. It didn't even look like I hurt him. In fact…his stomach was all muscle.
"There ya go!" Vic said happily. "Now, is there any kind of style you want to focus on?" I hadn't really thought about that to be honest. I just wanted to learn how to defend myself and control this ball thing that I could apparently do.
"Um…well…how many are there? What's yours?" I asked.
"There's a ton. My uncle knows a good amount of them. I myself do like a mixture of my uncle's martial arts style as well as some kickboxing or street fighting," Vic answered. "If you ask me, that doesn't sound like you."
"I agree," I said.
"Show me what you can do Miss Cage," Fujin said from behind the pair of us. He too was in workout clothes.
"Vic, you know what I want you to do first right," Fujin asked.
"Yeah, stretch and practice my rapid strikes," he answered.
"Excellent," Fujin replied. "Now Miss Cage. Show me. I will not judge." I proceeded to show Fujin a few combinations my dad had taught me when I was younger. Fujin watched patiently and quietly. I knew Vic was watching too even though I could hear his fists hitting the wooden dummies. Fujin held up his hand after I finished going through what I knew.
"It seems your father taught you a sort of mixture of Taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do," Fujin said. "You seem to be comfortable with that style." I nodded. Fujin smiled.
"Right, let me teach you some more of those techniques. Nice and slow," he said.
We got to work for hours. I learned a lot of new techniques. Especially Taekwondo. I seemed to have a natural affinity for it. Although I did like the rapid kicks and punches of that other style. The 3 of us took a break around noon to have lunch. I sat on the ground next to Vic munching on a sandwich. He currently had his eyes closed and bobbing his head along to a tune in his head. Much like his mom often did. I missed Vic's mom. She was always so sweet to me. Even when I broke her son's heart. Now I know why after hearing Fujin explain their past.
"Hey Vic," I asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Cheya?" he asked. "What's up?"
"Were…were you freaked out when you found out about your powers?" I asked. Vic nodded.
"Eighteen years of not knowing I can make pretty much whatever I want out of thin air would kind of make anyone freak out," he said and ripped off another chunk of sandwich.
"Sort of like 29 years of not knowing you can make green balls of energy form out of nowhere," I said.
"Speaking of that," Fujin said from the wall he was leaning against. "I think we should try and tap into that Miss Cage. Just to see how it works."
"R…right," I stammered. I was still on edge about using this whole thing but then I remembered Vic also had powers and he was fine. And I mean that in both ways. Fujin set up one of the wooden dummies a few feet in front of me.
"Let us test your aim shall we?" he stated and gestured to the dummy. I held my hand out palm up…but nothing happened. Not even when I imagined myself hurling the ball thing like I was a starting pitcher. I frowned at my hand. There was absolutely no way that it just vanished overnight. Everyone in this room saw me conjure and throw it! I started flicking my hand in frustration before Fujin walked over.
"I may have a theory. Were you thinking of someone you care about whenever this happened?" he asked. I instead looked toward Vic who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. I imagined him getting hurt…and all of a sudden the green ball formed in my hand.
"Whoa!" I said. I didn't immediately throw it this time, instead I tossed the ball from hand to hand. It felt…weird. Like a softball filled with cottage cheese. I threw it at the wooden dummy but went a little wide. Still though, that was close!
"Good!" Fujin exclaimed. "Now try it with a focused mind." I looked over at Vic again and imagined someone attempting to hurt him. The ball materialized in my hand once more and I chucked it at the wooden dummy. This time I hit it! Right in the mid section.
"Hey hey, two points," Vic exclaimed and clapped for me. Dork.
"Interesting, these powers seem to manifest whenever you think about someone you care about. That makes sense honestly, we fight to protect our loved ones not kill our enemies," Fujin stated. "Vic might seem vicious when he fights back against the demons of the Netherrealm, but he does it to protect innocents." For some reason, I imagined Vic getting beaten nearly to death…and that's when something new happened. A large green figure sort of stepped out of my body and stood in front of me. I yelped, as did Vic and Fujin.
"What the hell did I just do?!" I exclaimed and flailed my arms at the green thing and it copied me. That's when I glanced at the mirror and yelped again. The green thing was an exact copy of me. Like almost one to one. It had my hair, face, arms and legs. The only thing that looked off was the detail in my clothing but still what the fuck?!
"Cass, Cass hey," I heard Vic's voice say. That stopped the panicking a little. I raised my hand and saw that my clone copied my move exactly. I raised my eyebrows and proceeded to do one of the combinations Fujin had just taught me. A punch, a low kick and then a rising elbow. To everyone's shock, the green clone copied my movements and continued its trajectory upward after the rising elbow and nearly collided with the ceiling. Nope. NOPE. Officially freaking out right now! I wanted to run out of the dojo but I felt Vic's soft gentle touch before I even made another move.
"I understand this is new for you," he said and had me look into his soft blue eyes. "But it's ok. Do you hate me because I can do this?" I felt a strong gust of wind lift me into the air and I yelled again. Before I knew it, I found myself being held in Vic's arms in what he called the "Superman carry." He was also smiling at me. Dammit. He knew me so well. He put me down on the ground and gave me a small squeeze on my shoulder. Feeling new found strength thanks to my boyfriend, I squared off against the wooden dummy again.
Vic, Fujin and I practiced pretty much into the early evening. I finally gained full control of my shadow clones (as I dubbed them) near the end. I even sent one zooming across the floor and it managed to kick Vic right in the chest at one point. Fujin was right. Everytime I pictured someone I cared about, whether it be my parents, Jacqui or Vic, the green energy began to manifest. I started to get used to the feeling. It felt kind of like butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"Fantastic progress today you two," Fujin said after I finished practicing a combination on Vic (who blocked every strike but I wasn't trying to hurt him). Vic bowed to me and I returned it…and felt him kiss my forehead. Doofus…but I love him.
"We shall continue at a later date," Fujin said. "As for me, I have a date with the hammock outside and my book 'The Name of the Wind'." Both Vic and I watched him climb up the stairs and to his own personal bedroom on the ground floor. I kissed Vic back immediately.
"Thank you," I said.
"For?" he asked.
"Making me feel…not so weird today."
"Anytime. So, what are we doing for the evening?" he asked. "I'm not doing my vigilante thing tonight. Need a break." I hesitated before saying.
"I…I wanna tell Jacqui about you," I said. "Then I have to work tomorrow. Stay with me tonight?" Vic's face fell. I think I know why. Not because he hated Jacqui or didn't want to stay with me (I could tell in his face that he simply loved the idea of being at my place), but because there was a cult that was after him and it didn't seem like a good idea to plaster his face all over the news.
"Just…just Jacqui right?" Vic asked.
"Yeah. Hang on…do they know you're alive? Like the authorities?" I asked. I can't believe it took that long for me to ask that. Vic nodded.
"Kimi and Kurtis have some contacts in the state department. Plus my uncle helped. He's got all my identification docs," he answered. "Where are we meeting Jacqui? Actually at your place I assume? I took a risk bringing you here."
Later. Back at My House.
Vic and I were in the middle of a small little make out session on my couch while we waited for Jacqui. I can't begin to describe to you how right this felt. His arms around me, his soft lips, his small moans. God, this is someone I never ever wanted to lose again. His hand squeezed my butt and I let out a small gasp before I did the same thing to him. He took it a step further and reached his hand under my shirt. Not wanting to be outdone, I reached under his shorts. I heard the sharp inhale when my hand touched bare skin and I smiled.
"I win," I whispered and moved my hand up and down.
"Oh fiddlesticks," Vic whispered back. My GOD what a dork…but mine. All mine.
After what felt like 20 minutes, I stopped kissing him and laid my head against his chest while he took long deep breaths. Yep. Still got it. I meanwhile felt so safe and so secure with him. I still couldn't believe that he was alive…and that he still loved me after all this time. Someone rang the doorbell and I got up to go get it. Vic let out a small sigh. Aww! I gave him a quick kiss and went to answer my door. As I expected, it was Jacqui, dressed in her usual attire of gym shorts and a T-shirt. It looked like she was either on the way to or getting back from practice.
"Hey Cass!" she said and hugged me. "What's this you wanted to talk about?" I looked around and said in a frightened voice "Thrash…is stalking me. He's in my house!" I watched Jacqui's expression change. This of course was the plan the entire time. Vic's idea. He loved little pranks like this. Behind me, I heard Vic make noise and he spoke in that disguised voice that he could do.
"Miss? Miss? Are you alright? Did I scare you?" I heard him say from the kitchen area. Jacqui punched her fist into her open hand.
"Ok tough guy! You think you can stalk my friends?! Well, let's just see about that!" she said and took two steps in my house. Two steps was all she needed to see Vic standing there in the kitchen.
"So, I guess actually dating your friends is out of the question too? Or what," Vic said in his normal voice. Jacqui froze. With her hands still in the air. In complete shock. I closed the door behind her and smiled. She raised her finger to point at Vic.
"H…him?" she croaked.
"M…Me," Vic imitated her and pointed at himself. Jacqui looked back at me.
"Yes Jacq, it's him. It's…it's Vic," I said.
"What…what color was Cassie's prom dress?" Jacqui asked him.
"Light blue right?" Vic answered. I nodded. Jacqui ran over to Vic and nearly tackled him in a hug while shouting "I KNEW IT!" I walked over to the pair of them still smiling.
"Wow! Holy fuck man! You survived that?" Jacqui asked. Vic nodded.
"Wasn't home. Been living with my uncle for the past 8 years," Vic explained. "And, you know, being Thrash."
"Are you two back together?!" Jacqui said to the pair of us excitedly. Vic and I exchanged smiles.
"I'd like to think so," he said.
"What do you think Jacq," I added and walked over to hug him. "You watched me mourn this man for years. You watched me cry at high school graduation when the ceremony was dedicated to him. You watched me date guys that looked like him. When I found out he was still alive on my fucking birthday and hugged him again, I finally felt something was going right for me." Vic hugged me back and I sighed in happiness. Jacqui smiled at the pair of us.
"Hey Jacq," Vic said. "Do me a favor and keep me being alive on the downlow."
"Sure, ok," Jacqui said and turned to me. I nodded.
"Some…somebody's after him," I began before stopping. Vic nodded at me saying it was ok to continue. I decided to be a little vague. Just in case.
"The same person that killed his parents. The guy Fujin told us about? Remember?" I said. "Or at least his subordinates." Vic nodded again.
"Fucking asshole. He led a cult. My uncle was tracking said cult and they attacked me at Johnny's last night," Vic added. Jacqui gasped.
"Wait…my dad can help!" she said and snapped her fingers. "He mentioned something about your dad this morning Cassie. I think it was about some group of people that were looking for him!" I raised my eyebrows. Why didn't I think of that?! Mr. Briggs, or Jax as he likes to be called, was in the military. He could totally help! I turned to Vic who was contemplating this idea too.
"Sure. Just let me show your dad I'm alive," Vic said. "I recall he tolerated me right?" Jacqui shook her head.
"Dad's always been a little bad with showing feelings back then because of what happened to my mom. He's better now. But he did like you Vic. Said you had the best music taste out of all of us," Jacqui said. "I do have to run you two. I'll keep you posted on what my dad finds." Jacqui gave me and Vic one last hug each before she left.
"Oh dear," I said and tugged on Vic's shirt. "It appears we're all alone now. And I don't have to work until morning." Vic put his hand over his faux shocked expression.
"Oh my," Vic said in an over the top British accent. "Cassandra. That's naughty!"
"I want my song," I said and flashed Vic's weakness at him. The kitty cat eyes. I typically got what I wanted whenever I did this to him. Back rubs, foot rubs, the rest of his fries. You name it. This time was no different.
"Well look at this! A little kitty cat!" Vic said and patted my head. Dammit, he's such a cute dork. I held my arms out to him expecting a hug. He smiled, used the winds to lift me into his arms again and carried me to my room where I heard him sing to me for the first time in over eight years.
I don't fucking care if you think him singing to me is cheesy, I don't fucking care about my new powers, all I cared about was that I was experiencing everything with Vic again.
