My mouth hangs open at her last sentence, and without looking she pushes it shut. “We shall not say a word; this conversation shall be left at the stairs, so the others don’t know. Time to go kick some booty.”
She saunters off with a final giggle, opening the door leading to the gym. Liam is checking us off on a new clipboard as we appear. Quiyl, Sonji and Lynx are chatting away in one corner, in various clothes and wrapping their hands in vet-wrap. We join them, and Lynx passes us an extra roll as she finishes.
“Have any experience in this sort of thing?” She asks, and I begin to wrap my hand.
“I have some lessons under my green belt of taekwondo.” Violet replies, catching the roll Quiyl tossed.
“I might be fighting the mat more than my partner, so we shall see what happens.” I comment, the girls laughing at that.
Liam interrupts Sonji’s comment by clapping his hands, as I turn to look at him I see Xavier standing by Anthony, a look of retribution crossing his face before he has the gall to wink at me. “Now then, we are all here let’s go into the gym and between Anthony and I we will ask each of you what you think your skill level is, then pair you up accordingly.”
We follow him into the gym and split ourselves up, each quickly talking to either of them. Violet motioned to me as she finished speaking with Anthony, and I walk up to him, being the last to speak.
“I already know you have little experience.” He says, his mouth quirking up slightly with a smile.
“Yea better make that range little to none. Last time I fought someone it was a playfight when I was like twelve. And I am pretty sure I had my ass handed to me.” I joked, and he snickered.
“Alright, let me chat with Liam and we will pair you up.” Anthony raises his voice, the others nodding as I rejoined them.
“Here’s hoping I get a good instructor.” I say, and Sonji nods as well.
“I really have barely any experience, I asked if Lynx could be my partner because I would be more comfortable.” Sonji comments, squeezing her hand entwined with Lynx’s.
We chat, throwing a few glances over to where the pair are mumbling, their backs to us. After what felt like an eternity they turned back around, and Anthony whistled to get our attention. Many of us cringed and rubbed our ears as the ringing cleared, and he glared back at us daring to be challenged.
“As we call you and your partners name please come forward then go to stand behind us with your partner. We will pick mats in a moment.” Liam announced, tapping his clipboard with his pen. “To start out, I am pairing myself up with Lynx and Sonji, it is three people but if Sonji feels more comfortable with Lynx I respect this, I am just going to help out as needed. Anthony has offered to pair up with Geneva, Violet is with Quiyl, Dainan and James, Bella and Idris, Phoenix and Avyanna, Xavier; you are going to join Phoenix and Avyanna.”
As we split up Anthony directs us to mats, and then comes to join me on ours as everyone settles in and begins to speak with each other. “I figured you and I would do well together, and I have quite a bit of practice teaching and learning.”
I nod, tightening my ponytail with both hands. “What do you want to do first, coach?”
He steps back so we are out of arms reach and instructs me to stretch. He guides me through a through session before gesturing for me to assume a fighting stance. I drop into one and he circles me, gently touching some parts of me and guiding me to a proper stance. My weight settles as I assume the proper stance, balancing myself by focusing on my feet. He slides my foot back and adjusts me, showing me a kickboxing stance. Anthony mimes the position opposite of me and directs me how to throw a punch.
Time passes as he drills me with lesson after lesson, firm but kind as he walks me through the basics of kick boxing as a form of self defence. Sweat glistens off my skin as time wears on, near the end landing some gentle hits on him as he runs me through some sparring.
Chapter 52
Suddenly Liam breaks away from where he was helping and claps loudly, everyone releasing their partners as they turn to look. “Now we are going to run through some practice spars just for some friendly completion. Avyanna and Phoenix, mind going to take a watch by the front doors and we will send your relief when we need you, James and Dainan do the same for the back please.”
The four nods, and leave the gym, Anthony and Liam directing the rest of us to set up a main square, laying four mats in a square on the ground and settling in around it in a loose circle. I sink down between Xavier’s legs and lean back, his chest slightly sticking to my back, but I don’t find any concern about that within my mind, preferring his touch over the lack of it.
“Now, myself and Violet were running our charges through some basic self defence, so we are pairing Quiyl and Sonji up first. After which Lynx and Violet will, then I shall face the winner of the last pairing. After that, we will decide who’s next.” He drops the clipboard in Anthony’s lap, Quiyl and Sonji meeting in the middle of the mats and bowing slightly to each other before leveling their gaze on each other.
“3…2…1! Go!” Liam counts, and on the ‘Go’ comment Quiyl drops to the ground and sweeps her leg towards Sonji’s.
Sonji leaps up quickly, throwing herself towards Quiyl and bowling her over by grabbing her shoulders and dropping her weight. Quiyl goes limp, then the moment they hit the ground springs up and forces Sonji off her, throwing her away and into the mat a few feet away. She lands with a thud and a grumble of pain before rising and dropping her stance back to defensive, waiting for Quiyl to make the next move. Quiyl side steps and attempts to rush her, but Sonji throws out her elbow and catches her sternum, a whoosh of air leaving Quiyl’s lips as the wind is knocked out of her. She stumbles and lands on her knees, catching herself with one arm as she rubs her chest. Sonji drops back and lets her recover, then goes on the attack the moment she stands. She hooks her leg behind Quiyl’s and force her legs to crumble, catching herself before she dropped onto Quiyl’s body on the mat. She pushed her forearm into Quiyl’s neck firmly, planting her hand beside Quiyl’s head.
“Mercy.” Quiyl mutters, a smile breaking the tone as Sonji realizes she won.
“Oh my god, I think I went into a trance. Did I hurt you?” She stumbles over her words as she pulls Quiyl upright, her brushing off Sonji’s apologies as they retreat to the side of the mat, Quiyl squeezing Lee’s hand from where he lays on the stretcher. The back is locked in an upright position to help him see better from where he is a few feet from the circle.
“That was impressive! I will come around to each person at the end and let you know what I thought of your moves.” Liam says as Lynx and Violet stand to spar.
The next few matches pass quickly, Lynx subduing Violet after a lengthy spar, landing a lucky kick to the stomach then pinned her down with a foot to her chest. Liam and Lynx went next, them ending up declaring a tie after the match hit five minutes with neither prone on the mat for more than ten seconds. He sent Lynx and Sonji off to relieve Avyanna and Phoenix, then let us take a break.
“How were your matches, love?” I ask, as everyone breaks off to chat and refill their water bottles.
“We were all rather experienced, so it was mainly us teaching each other tricks. Phoenix can easily take you down with style, and Avyanna throws a mean punch.” He comments, gently moving a strand of hair stuck to my face to behind my ear.
“I hope I don’t have to fight you guys.” I joke, with a hint of a serious tone.
“I am sure you will probably face down Sonji, they seem to have it set up in some basic matches setting of the winner moving on.”
We lapse into a comfortable silence, enjoying the feel of each other and enjoy just watching others move around. Soon Phoenix and Avyanna entered the room and Liam stood back up from where he was chatting with Idris and Violet. He claps his hands, and everyone returns their attention to him.
“Now, as we all know some different styles we are doing a mixed variety of fighting. Whatever you did with your partner
has been recorded and we plan to get you all educated in a variety of styles, so everyone is balanced.” He tells everyone, some gesture their agreement. “Now, we have set up the next set of matches. It is going to be Sonji versus Geneva, then winner faces Quiyl, so she can attempt to redeem. Then that winner shall face whoever wins the next set, being Xavier versus Phoenix. After that we will take five, then Avyanna shall face the winner of the previous set. When that time comes around we shall decide what to do next.”
I stand after Xavier whispers good luck and move to face Sonji. We bow and stand apart in our starting stances. Liam counts down again then steps back, Sonji making the first move. She springs at me and attempts to hook my legs what she did to Quiyl, but I was prepared. I drop down and catch her knee with my arm and pull upwards. She drops with a thud to the ground and rolls out of reach, quickly standing back up. Sweat drips off me and onto the mat as we stand back, observing each other. Noticing Liam watching the time and guessing when we started, I needed to wrap this up quick. I drop and drive my shoulder into her stomach, standing up and pulling her onto my shoulder and off the ground. A squeal escapes her as I then let her go, the air poofing out from the mat on which she landed. She attempts to get up and winces, raising her hands in surrender.
“You got me, good job.” She says, and I offer my hand to help her stand.
I pull her up and quickly check her over, walking to where Xavier was sitting clapping. I leave Sonji there, Lynx coming up beside her a nodding to me, gathering Sonji in her arms and embraces her, making sure she’s okay. Quiyl leaves Lee’s side and we face each other, following the greeting process. Liam’s voice drones on as I face her, the moment his hand drops Quiyl springs at me, slightly startling me with her speed. She hooks her arm around my waist and struggles to push me over, my stance allowing me to fight back with an equal strength. We grapple with each other for a few moments, a few elbows flying and knees jabbing as we attempt to take each other down. She ends up almost getting the upper hand, dropping me to the mat with a well aimed kick and then sitting down on my stomach, catching my hands and pinning them to either side of my head. She smirks, which drops when she sees the vengeful look in my eye.
My knees catch her in the back hard, and for the second time she gets the breath knocked out of her. As her hands involuntarily release me I reach up and grab her arms, throwing her off me with a show of strength that even surprised myself. As she hits the ground beside me I roll with it and end up on top, my knee pinning her legs and my hand pinning hers. She gasps mercy and I release, getting up from the awkward kneel with a grimace then help her stand.
Chapter 53
“Really good Eva. You beat two opponents back to back, that’s hard for a lot of people. If I did not know I would assume you had some form of training, colour me impressed.” Anthony compliments, and I accept with a stumbling voice.
Xavier kisses me quickly before standing to face Phoenix, their match goes quickly, Phoenix showing amazing skills as she easily dispatches of Xavier. Her lithe body hiding a surprising strength, throwing Xavier into the mat from a standing stance. He gasps and calls out in pain, then holds one hand up in surrender. I get up as he calls out, then rush to where he is. Phoenix is apologizing as she helps him up, and I notice him favouring his left wrist. I come up beside and quickly rub my hands over it, feeling the bone to make sure its intact. The swelling starts to happen before my eyes and Sonji comes up to drag him off to find ice. I glare at him and he salutes with his uninjured hand as he is dragged off, myself hoping he understood the look.
“While he gets that looked at we are going to take five. Violet and Quiyl, if you do not mind relieving Dainan and James we have to get set up for the next few matches.” Liam says, and Lynx catches me before I rush after Xavier.
“We both know it isn’t broken, trust Sonji and her assessment, she will take care of him.” Lynx tells me, and I stop, sighing.
“I know, just worrying and not knowing sucks.” I say, Lynx releasing my arm.
“I get it. To take your mind off things want me to give you a few pointers before you face Phoenix?” She offers, and I accept.
We run through a few stances, her pointing some things out as the time passes. Xavier and Sonji reappear just as Liam walks to the mat to gather us around again. He points to his arm, showing the frozen pack wrapped around it. I give a thumb’s up as Liam announces my set with Phoenix. Her blue eyes level with mine, a glint in them. The moment he says ‘Go’ she settles back into a defensive stance, waiting for me to attack first. I let my eyes settle on her left side, and as she subtly adjusts to take an attack there, I rush her right. I drive my shoulder into hers and throw her off balance.
She surprises me by recovering quickly, turning quickly to catch my shoulders with her hands and toss me at the corner of the mat. I feel the air rush past my face as I land, my right shoulder catching the brunt of the landing. A groan peels its way through my lips as I push myself up with my left arm. I throw my right leg out behind me and face her on one knee, my left arm raised in a defensive hold. She stands far away on the other corner of the mat, her eyes betraying nothing before she rushes me, and I tuck my left foot under my leg, standing slightly. I aim to catch her knee, but she is prepared for that, dancing out of the way before using her knee to throw me at the ground. Her body drops into mine as she pins me down.
“Mercy!” I exclaim, and she immediately releases the pressure, helping me stand.
“Nice try, you almost had me.” She high fives me as I walk out of the circle towards Xavier, me throwing a return compliment over my shoulder as Avyanna takes my place.
“Nothing’s broken dear, just strained. You did amazing there!” He says, and I smile.
“Good and thank you. I hope I can remember all these pointers but its fun to have a bit of healthy competition.”
Avyanna and Phoenix go over to talk to Liam, who announces the next match, them deciding to skip the break. The match goes by quickly, the two of them on par with skill. It ends with Phoenix managing to break Avyanna’s defences, driving her fist into her abdomen then as she drops pinning her neck firmly, without hurting her.
“Match goes to Phoenix!” Liam claps, the two helping each other up. “Damn girl, how much expierence do you have in fighting?”
“Four years in karate and five alongside that in kickboxing.” She says out between deep breaths, high-fiving Avyanna before walking over to where Bella is.
“That’s my girl!” Bella cheered. “Liam, I am unable to participate. Twisted my ankle a tad while sparring with Idris.”
The losers of the matches had gone to relieve watch, allowing the fresh fighters to watch and participate.
Liam nods, then turns to the group again. “Next set of matches is Idris versus Dainan and me versus James. The winners shall face off, then face Phoenix. Then we shall have our winner!”
The matches pass quickly, Idris winning his and Liam winning the next. They then face off; each trading blows quickly with varying force. Liam lands a few good kicks, which Idris then returned with some good punches. Sweat runs down their foreheads as the search for an opening in each other’s defence while grappling. Idris finally lands a hit that brings Liam to his knees, triumphant. Liam realizes he has lost focus and brings him down by aiming for his knees, pinning him for the ten seconds to end the match.
“Brother, good job.” He compliments, pulling him to his feet with a grunt.
“Yeah, well, I had a great teacher!” Idris replies with a smile, leaving the mat and Phoenix takes his place.
She rewraps her hands quickly and tightens her ponytail, nodding to Anthony when ready. He drops his hand and she launch herself at Liam, him catching her and attempting to throw her further away. She monkey-climbs her way into piggy-backing him and drops her legs, which hit the ground and she throws his weight back over her, letting her back bend as he flies over her. He lands with a loud thud but pushes his way back to upright as she stands up. He flies at her from a
crouching position, which she quickly steps away from and he misses. As he is recovering she moves to the other side of the mat. Liam stays where he is, his face thoughtful as he wipes the sweat away with the back of his hand.
She meets him in the middle after they both rush at each other, almost hugging as they spar. Phoenix stomps her foot down quickly, him crying out in pain as she hits his instep, and as he jumps back she pushes him over, her foot following to press into his chest.
“Mercy. Remind me never to get on your back side.” He hisses, out of breath.
Chapter 54
She helps him up with a smirk and Lynx steps up to the mat after, quickly chatting with Liam before rejoining Sonji where she was standing by Lee. “Lynx informed me that she never actually fought a winner, I accidently took her place. So, this week, we have a tie! Lynx and Phoenix win this week, if you really wish to duel it out let me know after. Now Anthony and I are going to go around and give pointers, Lynx and Phoenix feel free to do so as well, both have easily proved how skilled you are.”
Xavier leans back against the wall near him and I join, letting my body lay down and I rest my head on his lap. We watch as the four of them go to each person and chat for a few moments, Anthony coming over to us after he finishes with Quiyl.
“Xavier, I don’t really have much feedback for you besides pointers easier to show physically, but we are all tired, so I’ll write it down and show you next week. Geneva, you are going to be an excellent fighter, you just need to stop focusing on how your weight falls and trust your body to move how it is supposed too. Like Xavier, I’ll review next week with physically showing you.”
“Now then, everyone off to bed. We have placed your watch time assignments on the board at the end of the bedroom corridor. Please make sure you have your phone turned on with alarms for the times, we have paired you up again. People leaving the shift please make sure both members of your relief team are awake.” Violet yells, and we turn to her. “Good night, do not forget there are showers located in the girl’s changeroom if needed.”
Friends Against The World (Book 1): Bite Me Page 21
