Hastily I nodded, knowing that if I spent a moment of hesitation, I would just chicken out. And I needed this training, I had no idea how to protect myself. So I guess it's essential for survival.
"Okay." Leading me to a training mat, he looked into my eyes, there were gentle, soft, somewhat understanding, "Don't worry. It's you're first time, I'm not going to go full out, Alexis. We'll build you up there, and one day you'll be as good as me, maybe even better." Despite him smiling up reassuringly, the only question that seemed to burn through my head was how long did I really have? Not even Isaiah could soften that worry.
I tried to muster up what was my best attempt of a smile, it didn't seem to convince him, but he took what he could get. "Right. Position your body like this." His hands grabbed my waist, even though I was clothed I swear I still feel his bare skin, the burning and the tingling sensation I was feeling was so enticing and so painful, placing my whole body into a forward stance, his arms skimmed up to my bare arms and I swear he was about to burn a hole right through my flesh. I could feel my breath hitching and I guess it was audible because he looked straight up, holding my gaze, "Place your arms up like this. It acts as a block from any oncoming attack. Especially use it when you parry. " He placed my arms up slightly vertical to each other, covering my face but leaving a little room for my eyes. "Alexis it's important. Always block and try and get away from that situation. Most times you'll be outnumbered, out-skilled. Do you understand?"
My words stuck to the inside of my throat, I croaked a meek, "Yes." With how close he was, I couldn't focus on anything, not myself, not the others. Nothing.
"Listen, I'm going to coming in with a series of attacks," He must have seen the look on my face because he quickly corrected himself, "Soft attacks, and see how efficiently you can block them. And we'll go from there okay?" I nodded. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you."
But that's exactly what he should be doing, right? If I'm under attack, my attackers aren't going to take into account that I haven't been doing this very long, or I recently suffered a fall, or I had no experience in any of this at all. But then my eyes glossed over to the others; Veronica slamming Elijah onto the floor, making sure his face was buried there and Elijah counteracting that with sweeping her off her balance and pinning her down. Zee graced Jordon with a series of devastating blows which he quickly, easily evaded, and blocked, Zee lost her footing, and instead of Jordon taking his chance, he caught her, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. He whispered something to her, I could see her eyes trained on him then she pulled in for a deeper kiss.
Maybe it's safe to say that I'm not ready for the full training just yet.
"Alexis. Block!" Suddenly heavy hands swept my vision before even processing I threw my arms up instinctively into the Blocking Position. Surprisingly it worked holding off his incessant blows.
Here's me thinking that this was supposed to be the easy version.
My arms started to ache, my position faltering, steadily using my back feet as a guide I started inching my way back which he took as a sign of weakness, and started advancing. Despite the devastating blows, none were landing on my face, and the way my body was positioned was protecting my most vulnerable parts.
Finding a quick opening, I quickly evaded from his punches, dodging any further damage. He paused his back turned to me.
Nothing. Nothing was happening.
Was this all? Were we taking a much-needed break?
My guard started lowering and I instantly regretted it, he swiftly turned around, giving such a quick blow to the stomach that it winded me and I lost my balance, landing with a big thud on the floor, which I assume grabbed everyone's attention. "Alexis. Never ever lost focus! " His eyes held something more than anger, it held from what I could tell disappointment, "Don't expect your opponent to take a break. Or give you a chance to breathe. They are always looking for a weak spot, where they can get you down and break you, don't give them the opportunity. Do you understand me?" His tone came out harsh which I suspect was intended, he heaved I could tell he was trying to keep in control of his anger. "I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you. Again." He held my gaze, extending a hand which I took, returning back into my position and stance ready for round two, this time no distractions. None.
Chapter six "Here. " Elijah said, handing me a pack of cold, frozen peas without hesitation I took it pressing in it quickly onto the nape of my neck, the pain sizzled out and I finally let out the breath I was involuntarily holding. "I'm guessing you need it." He chuckled the deep sound vibrating in the spacey room. Veronica was undoubtedly right, that was the three most gruesome hours of my being. But I learned a few things, how to hold the Blocking Position and how to execute a few oncoming attacks. Isaiah, though strict taught exceptionally well that I couldn't fault him on that. "Alexis," He spoke, I felt myself looking up at him, it must have been something in his voice that grabbed my attention but I couldn't figure out what, " You did good today." His green eyes concentrated on mine, suppressing down the lump in my throat, smiling, I answered back. "Thank you." His bold eyebrows scrun
Deciding that I was also too exhausted for another game I got up making my way towards the kitchen. This time I'd force Zee to accept my help and I'd leave no room for her to even utter the word no. Noticing Isaiah following behind me, I couldn't help but smile this past couple of days were trying to say the least but he's been there the best he could, the best that I'd let him anyway. Sweet, pleasurable aroma of food wafted as I got closer. With all the extra, excessive training I had to endure, I was constantly hungry and Zee's food was the only thing that made me feel like I had more than enough. The glass table held different varieties each and every night, this time I was graced with; big, shallow bowl filled to the brim of cooked plantain, pasta mixed with vegetables, a fat roast chicken situated in the middle, multiple salmon bombarded with different spices. No need to say, but it all looked undeniably delectable. It always baffle
"Veronica that's enough!" Zee's voice boomed through the room silencing even Veronica. Her chocolate eyes turned a shade darker. I've never seen her like this, I've never seen her so, well so angry. I instantly hated myself for turning her this way, this was my fault, all my fault. I should never have ran away, I should never have gone into the woods, that way me and Isaiah would never have met and our destiny could be rewritten. "You know better than to attack someone when they clearly aren't in the right space to defend themselves. Don't lose the morals that were instilled in us." This time her voice held all the authority, I could tell no one expected this from her, not even Jordon. "Veronica. Sit. Down. Or. Leave." Each word, each pause emphasized, neither girls were backing down, Zee held her ground equally as Veronica did, "Okay. Then leave. Now." It was clear by the tone of her voice her command held no room for argument. Her eyes flickered onto each in
Two bodies dropped. Isaiah. No. Steadily getting up from my knees, my eyes connected with Zee's, she finally looked up. So many emotions in one pair of eyes, it was scary to look at. Forcing my head around. I didn't want to come to terms with it. I didn't want to come to terms that he was dead. Isaiah was dead. One body laid in front of me, cramped at my feet, blood freely flowing, Isaiah stood opposite me, still recovering from his initial shock, his gun facing down. He didn't take the shot, it wouldn't have been possible. Two shots. There were two shots. So I would have been dead. Then my eyes followed his. Veronica mounted, slumped onto the wall, head hung low, the gun falling out of her hand clattering loudly against the polished floor, a layer of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, her eyelids shut closed, a hole in her heart. Dead.
He was injured, badly too. Without losing a second, me and Zee went to either side of him draping each arm over our shoulders, his eyes rolled to the back of his head before his head fell back. This wasn't good. Shouting in the distance, still firing, "Keep going! Training Room!" Isaiah yelled. Managing his body weight the best way we could and as fast as we possibly could, we made our way towards the flaming crimson door. Closer. Closer. Zee kicked it open, the abnormal amount of force tearing it off its hinges. Just then, loud, numerous thundering footsteps came into the half exploded complex. They were here. Isaiah arrived in front of us, hastily leading us towards the far side of the room, just away from their view. It bought us time. Just how long though? Elijah was becoming increasingly heavy to
**** Springing straight up from my dream state, my heart rate pounding in my chest. My breathing irregular. But I didn't scream. It wasn't real, it was a dream. Only a dream. I closed my eyes trying to grip onto my version of reality. The version that right now I'd do anything to escape from. Forcing myself to keep my breathing steady, I reopened my eyes adjusting to the new scenery. Bed. I was on a bed. Throwing the duvet wrapped around me, I hung my legs over, the tips of my toes making light contact with the carpeted floor. Where am I? Trying to absorb my surroundings I looked around. Gold encrusted spiral walls, flat-screen television secured to the far end of the wall. A table and a single chair situated towards the corner of the room and a slightly ajar door. I was curious, to say the least. Where exactly was I? I couldn't be back at their c
Suddenly Zee walked into the room, I could see in her eyes evident shock of the close position that me and Isaiah were currently in, I pulled back abruptly but he made no just movement in fact he looked slightly irritated that there was an interruption, he turned his eyes falling on Zee, his face instantly stomped out any previous annoyance. Despite her visible injuries, she was still looking a lot better than I did. Her hair flowed freely around her shoulders, she was wearing similar attire to mine. Her beauty still present. But everything else clearly not, a permanent frown etched onto her face which was completely different from normal, happy smiling Zee and I despised seeing her like that. Her voice came out hard, blunt but not an octave higher or lower from how she usually sounded, "Isaiah, are you ready to go?" His eyes burned into mine, asking if he should go or if he should stay, all I could give him was a
Chapter eight His lips met mine, pressing roughly against it, his tongue trying to pry my mouth opened, the action made me gasp and I could feel a smirk on his face before he deepened the kiss. He worked meticulously, cupping my cheek and stirring things up inside me. This was my first kiss, I had no one to compare him to. All I felt was a mild twirling feeling in my gut, something was there but not completely. Not how I thought it would feel, those books always described sparks and an overwhelming amount of butterflies. Wasn't I supposed to be feeling that? Someone cleared their throat. But it didn't come from Elijah, instantly I pulled back breaking the kiss, his eyes flashed hurt before he slowly bit his lip looking downwards. The only thing right then that I could think about was Isaiah, how I betrayed him and how I hoped that wasn't him behind me. Closing my eyes I prepared for the impact, my back stil