Snow White

Chapter 20

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'Ok, Gone Boys, pick a partner and start practicing.' Peter ordered and his word was law, for as soon as he finished the last syllable, the Gone were already pairing up and separating off to give other fighters space.

After a good breakfast, prepared by Snow White, as if she was their mother, the Gone and her had all travelled to the training grounds to start learning about combat, something Snow already knew she would hate.

'What about me?' Snow squeaked, hoping he would allow her to just watch for today. She wanted to delay fighting with any of them for as long as physically possible.

'You, Snow, will be given quick and simple instructions on technique.' He said slowly and confidently. 'But I'll make it quick; we don't want to linger on the boring bits, let's just pounce straight into action as soon as possible.'

He demonstrated a few simple punches and kicks to the air, then allowed her to have a try. Snow tried to imitate his stance and technique as much as possible, but even this came as a challenge. But with nobody watching, she felt like she could let herself concentrate on her technique, rather than feeling his cold eyes judging her instantly.

As Snow threw endless punches to the air, Peter ambled slowly through the gaggle of Gone Boys, commenting on anything the boys need to improve on. Eventually, he reached her and paused as he inspects the way she threw the punches at the air.

His eyes scan over her body, quick and fleeting as though in an instant, he had all of the information he needed. It was a practical, scientific gaze, but it still made her insides twist and her breath hitch. He had an uncomfortable frown as he examined Snow more closely, which made her nervous.

'I'm a little disappointed, Snow, you don't seem to have much muscle.' Peter said carefully and confidently, but looking at her with a slight awe in his tone. Snow got the feeling that he's never had a new member of the Gone as hopeless as she was. 'But you do have bone, so use that.'

'Use it?' Snow whispered, the frown on her forehead never leaving as she took this conversation as an opportunity for a break.

'Exactly.' He smiled. 'Always play to your strengths and-' he walked slowly forward, lifting her arm to examine her weak, feeble muscles more closely. '-And don't let your weaknesses control you.'

Snow pause for a moment, contemplating his words and his arms drop to his sides, before ambling towards the next pair of fighters, 'Continue, don't get distracted.' He said dismissively.

Something about what Snow was doing seemed rebelliously wrong. Her heart rate picked up as she gazed at the punches she threw, like she was doing something hideously evil. Snow could imagine her father, who was strict and terrifying as a child, watching her now and her stomach churned and twisted. He would be angry, but most of all disappointed.

'C'mon, Snow, watch one round and then you can have a turn,' Peter ordered sternly and gestured for the first pair to come up.

Without hesitation, Alex punched Will square in the jaw and Snow winced, holding her breath. Will stumbled to the side clutching his jaw. As if it never happened, Will carried on, determined to defeat Alex. Using his free hand, he blocked Alex's next blow and his face scrunched up in pain. Snow could tell that leaving and saving a blow would both be painful experiences, maybe dodging would be the best tactic for her.

Alex was bold and confident, throwing blow after blow towards Will, who dodged most of them. Will seemed more of a professional to me, a more slow and methodical fighter. For every five blows Alex made, Will could use one with the same affect. Snow kept this in mind, just in case Peter sent her up there at a later date.