by C E Johnson
Clean and dry, Emily went back downstairs for breakfast. The smell of cooking had taken over her mind and her stomach was growling. Xena was flooding her with the scents of vanilla, butter, and milk. She thought she could identify every ingredient in the French toast her mother was making through her mind-link.
“Smells good.” Emily seated herself in the breakfast nook at a worn rectangular oak trestle table with the marks of hundreds of years scored into its surface.
“You’re hungry?” Jean wore an overdone expression of surprise while handing Emily a plate with four pieces of French toast and raspberry preserves.
“Starved!” Emily cut the bread and added syrup to sweeten the meal even further. “I need some fuel before I go into battle.’”
Jean sat across from Emily, watching her eat. “I still don’t understand how you can ingest all that food and not get sick before a competition.” She pushed a separate plate with two pieces of French toast across the table to Emily. “Here’s something for Xena.”
“I doubt if Doeg is making Delores anything to rival this meal,” Emily said. She was appreciative of her mother’s cooking. She placed the extra French toast on the floor for Xena. Delores’ mother had left her father as a single parent years ago. Doeg Quadmire owned a gym near Dr. D’s office. Doeg was a tall muscle-bound personal trainer who had been a star linebacker in high-school and college and he doted non-stop on his daughter.
“You know Delores isn’t all that bad.” Her mother’s voice was both soft and sad.
“I know.” Emily exchanged a pained look with her mother. “I just wish she learned to be nice to me.” Emily thought about the endless taunts, threats and bullying she had suffered at Delores’ hand.
Jean smiled sadly. “Thank goodness she has her father.” When Delores’ mother had left, the young girl had found a new residence in her father’s gym. She had taken to the athletic center, like a fish to water. Daily she imitated the workout patterns of her father, improving her speed and dexterity. A corner of Doeg’s gym was an athletic shrine to her extensive collection of trophies. Her favorite sport was martial arts, and she relied on her brutally strong uncompromising force to win her competitions. “She’s become a strong woman,” Jean said softly, her face full of apprehension.
“You always see the best in people,” Emily said in admiration. Delores was almost six feet tall and more muscle-bound than Richard.
Jean ran her hand lightly along Emily’s cheek. “Are you nervous to face her?”
“A little.” Emily thoughtfully chewed her breakfast. “She’s brutal and she doesn’t hold back on her punches.”
Jean shook her head in concern. “That Delores needs a mother in her life.”
Emily was warmed by her mother’s kind heart. “Maybe she’ll become nicer when she gets older,” she suggested hopefully.
“I hope so.” Jean picked up Xena’s empty plate. “Although Delores is a bully, I pray that child will outgrow her evil streak. Many bullies eventually realize the world doesn’t revolve around them.” Jean used a towel to buff the counters until they sparkled. “For now, be careful of her.”
“A little late for that.” Emily flashed a playful smile at her mother. “My competition is in a few hours. Are you sure you don’t want to go? I’d love for you to watch the match, and you sound like you’re becoming a passionate Delores fan.”
“I’m only an Emily Whayne fan,” her mother said gently. “I know you can beat Delores. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” She walked over to Emily and ran her fingers along Emily’s cheek once again. “I love you, young lady.” She kissed Emily tenderly on her forehead.
“I love you too.” Emily felt lucky to have parents who cared so deeply for her. “Dr. Dalton thinks these fights are enhancing my character,” she wished her mother could learn to view the competition as a challenge, making her stronger.
Jean gave a half-hearted laugh. “I understand this helps develop your competitive spirit, but to see so many bruises on your body is tough on a mother.” She fixed Emily with a look of pride. “At least I don’t see as many anymore …you’re becoming very skilled.” As Emily and her sparring partners became more experienced and agile at blocking, injuries had become less of a problem.
“I still hope you’ll come to watch someday,” Emily spoke wistfully.
“A battle of the unbeaten,” her mother said softly as she ran her fingers through Emily’s hair. Neither girl had lost a match before, but they had never faced each other in a contest. “Unfortunately, someone will lose today,” her mother added gently. Each girl trained in a different dojo. Emily worked with a master her godfather had selected, Sensei Oliver Tseng, who was both a brilliant teacher and a wizard with fighting. He taught her aikido, karate, tae kwon do, and judo. Most of the other dojos in Austin thought Sensei Tseng’s teaching methods were outrageous, claiming it would be impossible to become a master of all these schools of martial arts, a direct violation of the spirit to incorporate so many schools at once, but her Sensei laughed their concerns away. “I believe you’re going to win,” Jean said, but Emily could easily hear the apprehension and doubts underlying her mother’s words. Jean squeezed Emily’s shoulder before going back into the kitchen where she continued to clean.
This is going to be a tough fight, Xena whispered while placing her head on Emily’s foot. You need to be strong. She attempted to mentally reassure Emily by infusing confidence across their bond. Emily scratched Xena behind her ears, expressing appreciation through their link. She wished Xena could go with her, but she wasn’t allowed anywhere near her contests anymore. During a match in the past when Emily had stumbled, she had jumped onto the mat snarling and snapping at Emily’s adversary. Your opponent would have injured you, Xena protested.
There’s no filter on you, Emily teased, no ‘off button.’ From then on, Xena was locked securely in the house when Emily fought. I’ll be back soon, Emily projected.
Waving to her mother who was watching her through the front window with a concerned expression, Emily entered the passenger seat of her father’s car. “Mom’s so worried. I get the feeling that she doesn’t think I have a chance.”
Richard gave her a measured look before starting to drive them toward the high-school gym where the competition was occurring. “We both know you can win this,” he said softly, “we just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Once at the school, Emily went to the women’s locker room where she put on her traditional white karate gi robe and her black belt. She delighted in the crisp feel and clean white-washed smell of her clothes. Pulling a time-worn slip of paper out of her pocket, she read the well-ingrained words: When she is strong, she may choose to journey to meet her twin brother and her parents. Please prepare her. The note pinned to the blankets in her basket always sparked a deep inner motivation. She liked to focus on the words before a challenge. She found herself wondering about her brother. What was he doing? What did he look like? What challenges was he facing?
Outside the changing room she could hear cheers and roars of encouragement and Emily thought about her own battle that was about to begin. Many sparring contests were going on in various gyms with students working their way along in experience and progressing in belt color. Delores and Emily’s competition was one of the last contests of the day. She blocked out the noises and sat down on a bench, folding her legs beneath her. Dr. D recommended she calm her mind before she entered a conflict. Positioning her head in an attentive way, she relaxed her jaw and closed her mouth. She gently tucked her chin and imagined energy extending through her from the ceiling to the base of her spine while focusing her vision on a single point and letting her eyes and body relax into pure stillness. A flow of her inner magus coursed through her body, warming her, and she delighted in the feel as her breath moved in and out. A shiver of joy ran through her body as her magic danced unabated.
Someone’s coming, her ki informed her. She opened her eyes and looked at the locker room door as Anna app
eared. She had chestnut hair with glints of gold and warm brown eyes that always seemed to keep their cool. Anna was composed, honest, and kind. Furthermore, she was as smart as she was beautiful. Although she was mature beyond her years, she would still dance wildly with Emily on sleepovers until the sun was about to rise.
Anna was just as skilled in karate as Emily, but she rarely attempted the other forms of martial arts and gymnastics that Emily utilized in her events. She had already had her match that day and had won. “Time for you to face your opponent.” Anna narrowed her eyes and shook her finger at Emily. “I hope you knock her to the ground.” Her lustrous hair shook as she over-acted.
“Kind of harsh there,” Emily teased.
“Trying to fire you up.” Anna’s mask of anger fled her face. “I knew I’d find you delving into your Zen and tai chi in here.” She flashed Emily a broad smile. “Or maybe this will fire you up.” She broke into a dance routine they had learned in school the prior year, a sequence that was both fun and corny. Emily jumped up from the bench and fell in step next to her. Both girls were laughing when Isabelle and Elizabeth came in.
“Delores is already on the mat waiting for you,” Isabelle informed Emily. Her eyes were twinkling mischievously as she joined their dance. Her thick brown curls bounced in rhythm on her shoulders, and her tall athletic body performed moves that outshone them all.
“She’ll have to wait, this is more important,” Emily teased.
“You better be careful,” Isabelle warned. “She has that mean look in her eyes and she’s pacing around crazily.” Isabelle was the wild one in their group, always the first to take a dare. She was intensely honest, and she often voiced whatever popped into her mind without a filter.
“She looks like she wants to kill something,” Elizabeth added breathlessly with worry evident in her voice.
Isabelle was habitually singing, and she burst into song about being the last survivor in a fight. The girls continued dancing wildly while harmonizing with Isabelle, and Emily appreciated their camaraderie before her match. She was feeling more mentally prepared for her contest. Once they quieted down, Isabelle gave Anna a fist bump. “Congrats on your match.”
Anna gave a satisfied smile before acting tough towards Emily once again. “You better not lose. Take it to Bigfoot today.”
“I think I’d take a different approach,” Elizabeth said primly. She pulled back her pale golden hair with an inner grace in her deft movements. “I’d keep avoiding her on the mat, staying away from Delores until the time ran out.” Her piercing blue eyes were warm, speaking of her kind, sweet nature. Elizabeth was like a gentle rain on a hot day, like a wildflower swaying in the wind, always generous to a fault. Emily gave her a hug.
As the girls walked out of the locker room gossiping and giggling, Emily found Luke waiting by the doorway as she had hoped. Their group was now intact. “About time you came out for your match,” Luke said with a wrinkled brow that was nearly hidden by a thick head of sandy brown hair. He was still the only boy with whom she could really be herself, and the sight of his tall and athletic frame made her smile. Her heart began to beat a little quicker as he came near. “I brought you something.” He handed her a small white box. Inside was a silver necklace with a multicolored stone pendant.
“Ammolite!” Emily exclaimed. She stared into Luke’s autumn eyes, brown with flecks of green, amazed that a fourteen-year-old boy would give her such a thoughtful gift. Her girlfriends giggled at the romance budding between the two of them, but Luke stood strong, fearless in his quiet and confident way. He was almost like a bondsmate, always there for her, honest and true.
“Yeah, ammolite,” Luke chuckled. His lips curled into a wry smile. He was fond of collecting rocks and gems and he was enthralled by the story of Emily’s first sentence that actually incorporated the word ammolite.
“Thanks, I’ll put it on after the match.” Emily squeezed his hand and enjoyed the wonderful sensation of chill bumps forming on her arm just by touching him. She could smell his clean scent of soap and shampoo even without her bondsmate’s nose.
“Be careful. Delores is huge, but you can beat her. Use your agility,” he advised. Emily felt a flush rise on her neck at his kind words. She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek, taking some pleasure in watching color rise on his face. She pulled herself away from his presence and continued toward the main mat.
Luke automatically fell into step with Emily. Her four friends formed a protective circle around her. “Look, the goblin’s here too.” Isabelle spoke in a low whisper while motioning toward Delores’s dad. Doeg was wearing a red sleeveless muscle shirt and he stood head and shoulders above the other parents. Their group was fascinated with anything remotely mysterious or magical, and they gave their enemies nicknames like goblins and werewolves.
The friends separated from Emily and went to the stands to watch the contest. Emily stepped onto the large red mat that dominated the center of the gym. The plastic was cold beneath her bare feet and a shiver went down her spine.
“No dog to protect you in this ring, bat ears.” A taunting smile flickered across Delores’ thin lips. She was over six-feet tall and she was broad and burly, all muscle. She wore no make-up, and her brown hair was pulled back from her hard, sharp face. Her gi robe was a bright crimson red.
“Kick her in the rear,” Isabelle shouted. Delores glared at Isabelle.
“You can take her,” Luke yelled.
The gathered students and parents began to talk in hushed voices as the two girls went to opposite corners. Sensei Tseng stepped forward, helping Emily put on her light gloves and mouth-guard. He advised her as his hands ran over her head and chest shield protectors, securing them. “Stay in control. Don’t let her rage distract you. Keep in balance.” The judges nodded to the referee to signal they were ready.
Emily glanced at the gathered crowd and winked at her father who sat in the front row watching her with an anxious expression. She was glad he was there. She basked in the warm smiles of her friends peering down at her with encouragement.
Caution, her ki said in a low voice, directing her attention to three men who were sitting together in the back row, appearing out of place. They were three peas in a pod, each young, fit, and sporting a military style haircut. Emily felt a growing sense of discomfort as she focused on them, wondering if they were connected to Xena’s unease.
“Focus, Em.” Oliver chided. “Are you ready?”
Emily nodded. She went to the center of the mat and the two young black-belts bowed to each other. Emily closed her eyes for a moment, reflecting on the note left in her basket years ago. Please prepare her, her note had said.
Whatever happens today, win or lose, you’ll be stronger after this, Xena whispered from her location in Emily’s house.
Emily was thankful that Xena was always in her mind no matter the distance between them. She thought of her father’s favorite poem, the tree that never had to fight, her mantra. This was a challenge that would make her stronger. The two began to circle each other in the center of the mat. Emily felt light on her feet.
“Gonna try and hurt me today?” Delores’ voice sounded blurred with her mouth-guard. She performed a powerful kick, and her toes touched the air next to Emily’s head. The crisp fabric in her robe made a loud snap. The noise rolled like a gunshot with the incredible force in her blow. “I’m gonna knock you out in front of your dad,” Delores mocked Emily.
Emily reeled away from the power in her attack. She attempted to ignore Delores’ words like her sensei suggested, keeping her movements relaxed and precise. Continuing to circle with her opponent, she saw small openings in Delores’ stance. Emily began to throw lightning quick strikes with her hands and feet, scoring points from the judges with each blow. Right hand, left hand, left leg kick, guided her ki. Her voice was keeping her safe and directing hits.
Delores cursed thickly. There was something new forming in her eyes. She appeared somewhat uncertain and
shocked by the speed with which Emily moved, but her confusion quickly morphed into anger. “You’re totally pissing me off.” Delores’ voice was a hiss. Speckles of saliva shot from around her mouthpiece as she spoke. Emily caught her with another blow high on her shoulder. Delores huffed and puffed with exertion as she attempted to block Emily’s skill. “Arrgh,” Delores roared as Emily landed a quick thrust to her chest.
She’s fuming, Emily thought. Delores came on with more forceful attacks. She was flushed with fury. Emily was fully aware of the power in each of Delores’ strikes. If the strong bully could connect with one rock-solid blow, she would likely win the match. She’s backing me to the edge of the mat. Emily recognized the impending threat as Delores tried to catch her in a corner.
Use your gymnastics, Xena urged. Seizing a momentary opening, Emily dashed along the boundary of their competition, using her gymnastics training to perform a flip-flop, ending with a jump in the air, a somersault, and smooth landing all with her equipment on. The crowd erupted in cheers.
“You’re going to drink blood,” Delores muttered, and Emily found herself agreeing with her mother, Delores needed someone besides her deranged father in her life. She slammed another kick into Delores’ leg, her arm, her head, but she wasn’t slowing her opponent.
I’m not sure if I can take her down, Emily whispered to Xena.
You can, Xena retorted, you have speed.
Emily and Delores both took a step back to regroup, and the three men again caught Emily’s eye. One was recording the match, another was staring at her while writing frantically in a notebook, and the third was talking quietly into a phone. His arm was raised, and Emily caught the gray glint of metal beneath his jacket. It’s a gun, she thought, certain he was carrying a concealed weapon.
Ignore them for now, Xena warned. Emily tried to follow Xena’s advice, but the gun worried her. She felt uncomfortable with their presence and Delores chose this moment to launch a new attack. Emily’s concentration was disrupted for a split second too long and that was all Delores needed.
