by KC Kean
A run around this place sounds like a dream right now.
I look to Red as she says, “Don’t worry about me, go. Run your brain out.”
I offer an appreciative smile and do what she said.
I can’t tell whether people are lagging on purpose to drag this out or if they really are that unfit, but I’m not waiting around. I zone out and just feel the rhythm of my arms, the bounce in my step and the beating of my heart. I love this feeling.
I make quick work of going round twice, followed quite closely by the Aceholes.
I slow as I approach Maverick, who doesn’t seem ready to begin anything else yet.
“Err, you can go again or take a seat,” he says dismissively, waving his hand at me.
I don’t hang around and make for another lap.
I hear footsteps approach and hover to my left. Glancing, I see its Parker.
“I hope Oscar’s mouth didn’t ruin my chance of you being my friend,” he says softly.
Taking in the slight crinkle of stress on his face, I continue my pace as I answer.
“Parker, I never make a decision on friendship based on someone else’s actions, and I don’t think I could judge anyone except Oscar based on that goddamn mouth of his. Okay?”
The sigh of relief is instant, and he smiles genuinely at me.
“Sorry, I won’t say anymore. I love running, and now I know you don’t hate me, I can get my rhythm again.”
With that we jog together in silence. I know he’s there, but he isn’t a distraction and it actually feels kind of ... nice? Who knows but it’s not something I’m familiar with.
Once Maverick has everyone’s attention, he decides to split us off into groups so he can see what we already know.
“Each group can take a blue mat to sit on, around the large red one in the middle. Then we can work through some moves, see where everyone’s at. That will then allow me to better group you at the same levels in future classes.”
Wow he actually sounded professional for a moment there.
Split into six groups, we each take our spots. I’m not familiar with anyone I’m with, but I notice Red has been grouped with Wren. Fuck. Roman is also there too, so hopefully Wren will want to partner with him, and not fuck with my girl.
We slowly make the rounds throughout the groups, some know nothing about defense and can barely throw a mock punch, whilst others are more aware. No-one has been at Ace level though.
Oscar, one to always show off, bragged the whole-time shouting encouragement for his opponent, only to block every move and land every mark, and to be fair his opponent would have been decent against anyone else.
Kai’s moves were so smooth and practiced there was no possible way to fault either his attack or defense. It was hot, seeing his body move.
But nothing … nothing could have prepared me for Parker.
I don’t know why I feel so protective of him. Maybe it’s because I saw a vulnerable side to him, and now I can’t see past that. See the Ace everyone knows him to be.
Holy shit.
When he attacked, he was beyond precise and his skill level exceeded my expectations. His guard was likely stronger. The power he demonstrated blew me away. I already liked his mind, his soul, but god help me that body could cause havoc and it had me burning up.
Nope.
Stop letting these guys get under your skin with their knockout bodies.
I’m called next, my opponent being a guy named Tyler, who I believe is in Diamond, and he’s built like a house. The sneer on his face makes him look like a thug, especially with his buzz cut and neck tattoo of a gun.
How original.
“Tyler attack first, Luna defend.” Maverick guides.
Tyler is coming straight at me, grabbing around my waist. Having me instinctively shove my elbow into his neck harshly, while kicking the inside of his thigh. He releases his grip quickly and we go again.
This time he’s coming at me with his height dropped a little, grabbing my waist from the side and lifting me off the ground.
Fuck.
He makes the rookie mistake of tilting me over his back, thank god, so I can wrap my arm around his neck and pull as hard as I can. It catches him off guard and he topples backwards, taking me with him.
“Okay. Okay,” calls Maverick. “I don’t think we need to see anymore from either of you, please take a seat.”
“What? Let me defend,” demands Tyler, smacking his chest as if he needs to be clear on who he’s talking about.
“I’ve seen enough of both of your fighting skills, and that’s what this is about. Now, sit down,” Maverick responds, moving on to the next pair.
“Fuck you, bitch,” Tyler growls at me as he passes, but I don’t even offer him a response.
I haven’t got time for this dick at the minute. It’s not my fault if he’s got little man syndrome.
The final group is Red’s, with Roman and Wren.
“Wren and Becky please,” Maverick calls.
Before I can even release a sigh of relief Wren is interrupting.
“Actually Mav, I think my skills would be better portrayed against Jessica, right Jess?”
Mav?
She’s talking to ‘Mav’, but her eyes are fixed on me, sly bitch. She isn’t a match for me so she’s trying to fuck with my friend instead. Jess can see what’s going on but doesn’t move or offer a reply. I’m ready to storm their group when I hear Roman.
“Maverick, I’m pairing with Jess, move this shit along.”
I could fucking kiss him right now.
Don’t let me down Roman.
She’s my sunshine.
“Don’t be silly Rome, baby,” Wren sweetly interrupts, placing her hand on his chest.
Maverick looks between the three of them, and a single nod from Roman conveys how serious he is about this.
“I won’t repeat myself Wren, get a move on, or I can call this class a fail,” Maverick calls, turning his back to the dramatics.
She glares at everyone as she steps on to the mat, a wicked glint in her eyes. She plants herself in front of me and signals for Becky to attack first.
I go to get to my feet, but I’m not quick enough. Becky is leaping in my direction as Wren drops and rolls. I lift my feet in the air as my defense and brace for the impact, making contact with Becky’s chest forcing her back on to the mat.
“Fucking bitch,” Becky growls.
I don’t know what she expected me to do, it’s not my fault her friend is a dick, and she’s happy to play minion. So I just shrug at her.
They take their positions again, but away from me this time. I don’t take my eyes off them though. Wren shows off, throwing Becky over her shoulder as she attacks. Becky has no clue what she’s doing and is useless at defending herself.
Final move and they’re moving closer to me, and I refuse to remain on my ass. Standing, I remain in the same spot, refusing to step back. I won’t show weakness. Not to this bitch.
Everyone around must also feel something is coming, because any small chatter has gone, all eyes focused on the mat.
Becky turns her back to Wren, allowing her to attack from behind. She sneers at me, telling me I was right to stand.
“Now,” yells Wren.
Becky quickly moves to the side letting Wren charge at me. I don’t have a chance to consider what to do, I just have to move. I know I need to hit her from a distance, otherwise she’ll take me down and there’s less chance of me landing on top.
Letting my instincts takeover I place my right leg in front, turning slightly, as I crouch a little, holding my weight on my back foot.
I see it. In her eyes, she knows she’s fucked, but it’s too late for her pace to slow.
I raise my right leg and extend it with force, straight into her face.
Crack.
The contact has her head snapping back, the rest of her body going with it and she’s out cold.
A part of me wants to feel bad, but she f
ucking deserved it. I was just defending myself, and I did warn her it’d get worse every time she came at me, but this time it’s in front of a tutor. Shit.
“What the fuck have you done?” Becky screams, and a few other girls stand and join Becky in shock.
I don’t look at anyone but Maverick, I don’t care what anyone else here says. I shouldn’t care what he says but his take on this situation has the most impact on me. He pulls a small device out of his pocket, which he pushes, and a small bell sound comes from the speakers around the hall.
Suddenly three people rush to us, with a stretcher. They don’t look at anyone, just load Wren up gently.
“Knock to the head, clean out,” Maverick says and then they are off.
He stares me down and everyone is watching what happens next. To me.
“Rafe sure as shit showed you how to move, huh?”
He smirks and walks towards me with his hand raised.
Is he fucking joking?
I don’t know, but I high five the shit out of him anyways. While managing to hold in my smile of relief.
“What the hell Mr. Miller, did you not just see what she did to Wren?” Becky screeches.
“Of course I fucking saw. What do you think you’re here for? This world isn’t flowers and rainbows sweetheart.”
Turning to address everyone, he continues.
“This world is death, it’s corrupt, cut-throat and complete darkness. If you want any chance at surviving, I suggest you learn to see in the dark.”
His words hit me deep. Everything he said he knows to be true, the loss in his eyes confirms it. Without wasting anymore time he’s back to it.
“Rome and Jessica then.”
The stress is clear on her face and I don’t know how I can help from here. Roman whispers in her ear, and whatever he says brings a little color back to her drained face, and she nods frantically.
Red stands in the middle of the mat taking the neutral stance like I showed her, she looks relaxed and unaware. Perfect.
Roman grabs from behind allowing her to show elbow use in a few spots. Then he steps back to come at her from the front, letting her show some small leg work.
I’m relieved she took onboard what I showed her yesterday. I can see Roman’s not gripping too tight as well, happy to let her show that she can defend. When they step back Roman looks to Maverick.
“You already know I can defend too, showing you now is irrelevant.”
With that he takes a seat. The gratefulness on Red’s face is clear to see, she can’t attack, and we don’t need any of these assholes to know that.
Maverick doesn’t argue, he simply moves on to the next pairing. When he eventually calls time, everyone breaks off heading back to the changing rooms. Red links her arm through mine, and I can’t help but like the connection.
This girl is the sister I never wanted.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m just glad Roman was watching us last night, so he knew what I could do.”
How is she even saying that so casually? What the hell does she mean he was watching us?
I ask her this and she just laughs, resting her head on my arm.
“He said next time, he wants a real invite, to our girl on girl session.”
“I wish I could tell him to suck my dick instead, but, well, I don’t have the facilities for that now do I?”
The cackle that leaves her mouth has me breaking into laughter too, and some of the people around us frown.
Keep trying to break me and I’ll just stand taller, laugh louder.
Fuck you all.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
(Luna)
Business class is just as useless as yesterday, with the tutor fawning over Oscar the whole time. Wren isn’t here which doesn’t surprise me, but it still leaves me unnerved. Her mother is the Head, and she already seems keen on making my life hell. I’m likely making things worse for myself, but I refuse to let someone trample all over me.
We decided to avoid the main cafeteria, I don’t need any more drama today. So Red and I decide to relax in the sunshine, sipping cold coffees and eating burritos in the square. With barely anyone else around, perfection.
Heading to History together, I’m glad there aren’t many students here. Red explained that a lot of students are taught history by their parents when they are younger. This class is for anyone who didn’t get the memo.
It’s their legacy.
Seems I could unearth information about my family history, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it. Walking in I spot Parker immediately. It makes sense for him to be here, after what he told me.
God how was it only yesterday?
It feels like a lifetime ago.
He pulls the seat out next to him, and I can’t help but comply. Now I’m sitting between my two soft spots. I’m screwed.
“Hey, I missed you at lunch,” Parker says, as I relax into the seat.
“Yeah, I needed cold coffee and sunshine.”
“You do not drink that Frappuccino stuff, do you?” He grimaces.
“Hey, blame Red over here. I was more than happy with my black coffee until she forced her unicorn sprinkles and rainbow dust at me. Now I’m addicted,” I declare, pointing straight at her.
They both just laugh at me.
“Red huh? Do you give all your friends nicknames when initiated into your group or what?”
“Who knows. She’s the first,” I reply with a frown.
I can’t help but be open with him and it irks me, I should be keeping my guard up with everyone, but these two just don’t give me a choice.
“Good afternoon everyone, my name is Gina. If you aren’t already seated, take any. Where you sit in here is irrelevant, and sadly will not change history.” She is softly spoken.
Naturally blonde hair and a button nose, her vibes remind me of Red. Not fit for this world, but who’s to really know.
“You will find that we spend quite some time watching the big screen in here. This is because actual footage has been preserved for many important events in Featherstone’s history, which will offer better insight than a textbook. I have to warn you, that some of what you will see is not for the faint hearted, but you are unable to leave this room.” She ends on a sigh, looking down at her feet, as a soft click of the lock can be heard.
Fuck. We are going to be forced to watch it unfold, and they’ve locked us in from the outside. How bad is this going to get?
The lights drop and the screen flickers.
“Welcome to Featherstone Academy. Founded in 1925 to bestow our code of conduct, loyalty and family skills down our bloodlines. To ensure we are always on top, always stronger and always ruling. There are many parts to Featherstone and you are all here to further our reach with the skills you have inherited. The criminal underworld is Featherstone, never the other way around. Featherstone Academy stands for:
Fraud
Embezzlement
Assault
Torture
Human Trafficking
Extortion
Racketeering
Sexual Exploitation
Theft
Obstruction of Justice
Narcotics
Espionage
Over the years we have followed the trends and expanded to additional outlets, but these were our core and will remain so.”
I glance around the room, there are less than twenty of us here, and we’re all staring in confusion at the screen. I’m glad it’s not just me. The screen shows old photos but nothing specific, while the voice over is eerie through the speakers.
“For eighty-three years we grew as one family pushing for greatness. There was hierarchy, but it was never obvious as we all knew our importance to the greater cause. Eighty -three years from Featherstone Academy opening takes us to 2008. 2008 was the year many things within Featherstone changed, and these changes impact you today. Catastrophic events changed our course, our structure and our values. All because of
one man. A man who attended this Academy as a bloodline for running drugs, but in years to come decided he wanted more. More power, more control, more money. He would go on, over the course of six months, to overlook our code of conduct, our loyalty and murder innocent bloodlines in hopes of becoming the King of the Criminal Underworld.”
I was six when all this happened, but I don’t recall anything, likely because it coincides with my father, and that leaves me blank.
“You will learn how we behaved before this time to understand our behaviors after this devastation. The man who changed all our lives was named Tony ‘Totem’ Lopez, he earned his name ‘Totem’ from the disaster he caused and his ability to elude justice, because to this day Tony Lopez has evaded death, and we will continue to prepare for his return.”
I look to Red, and she glances back offering a shrug, because she knows as much as me about this.
“We will begin with an overview of our current structure. The six buildings enforce the hierarchy ensuring everyone knows their place and does not attempt to overstep their reach but continues to honor their bloodlines and commitment to Featherstone.
There are eight bloodlines who hold access to the top, known as The Ring. Rivera, Steele, O’Shay, Fuse, **BEEP**, Dietrichson, Gibbs and Morgan.
What the hell was that beep? I couldn’t hear the name.
Wait.
Shit.
I glance in Parkers direction and his hands are clenched fists on the table in front of him. How degrading to publicly ensure his surname is not uttered in his presence.
They are not worthy of him.
Not a single ounce.
I can’t help but want to offer him my support. Placing my hand on his arm I squeeze gently. He slowly relaxes his tensed posture and places his hand on top of mine, crushing it like it’s a lifeline.
He slides my hand down his arm, allowing him to clasp it between his.
This isn’t good. I didn’t know what I was doing last time, it just happened. Now I feel pressure to make him better, but I don’t know how.
I look at him, and I’m surprised he tilts his head in my direction. His eyes are dark, but he’s not lost in there, not fully anyway, like yesterday.
