Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 58 - Rock Your World

Mom looked at Tasha in surprise.

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Tasha? I understand you teach martial arts to humans, but Guardian fighting is a little different."

"Oh I'm sure it will be fine," Tasha said dismissively. "Dhampir aren't the only ones who train every day you know," she continued, giving my Mom a challenging stare.

"Your funeral," I heard Eddie chuckle quietly. Adrian and Christian were looking at one another, and I knew there would be betting on the victor.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this. Part of me really liked the idea of pinning Tasha, but I knew the fight might get personal. Maybe I should just tank the fight with Mom and let her take the bitch down? I already had a training top and fighting wear on underneath my dress, so I peeled it off, and handed it to Dimitri as well as my stakes, my promise ring, and my necklace.

"Mind these for me?" I asked sweetly, melting as Dimitri kissed my promise ring before slipping it onto the end of his pinky finger for safe keeping.

Tasha and Mom both went inside to change. Mom was back out first, and we walked over to the marked out area.

"Rosemarie? What's going on with Tasha?" Mom asked quietly in her no-nonsense voice, her back to the Guardians and doing warmup stretches. No one was close enough to overhear us.

"She's jealous of Dimitri and me," I said quietly, realizing there was no point lying to Mom about it. "You know how she asked him to be her Guardian? Well looks like she was hoping for a 'friends with benefits' situation."

"I see," Mom said. "I guess that explains your little performance at breakfast" she continued, her lips twitching.

I nodded guiltily. "I know it's childish, but I can't stand her. She keeps flirting with Dimitri and it drives me mental!"

"Well I've seen her fight before and she's good for a Moroi, but you can easily take her. She's fast, but she lacks power and focus. She'll probably try and goad you to make you so angry you'll make mistakes, so don't fall for it" Mom advised. "We'll make our fight quick but at low intensity to make her think she has a chance with you," Mom suggested with a twinkle in her eye. "Just no gloating when you pin me!"

Oh my God! Did my mother just admit she was going to intentionally lose our fight? My Mom, who gave everything 120%? I gave her a grateful smile, and she returned it with a grin. Stepping into the enclosure we faced off against one another. Mom moved first, but I countered, then I made a move, but she slipped out of my reach. We continued on like this for a bit – neither managing to get a decent blow in. Flicking my eyes to her feet to give her warning about what I was going to do, I suddenly kicked her feet out from under her. Mom landed on top of me, but I was expecting it, rolling us over and pinning her, delivering a fake stake thrust.

"Dead!" I called out.

All up our fight had lasted less than three minutes. There were groans and laughs from the audience as people settled up their bets.

Standing up I helped Mom up beside me.

"Well done Rosemarie! I don't think I've seen you use that move before."

"Thanks, Mom!" I beamed. "Dimitri and I have been practicing it. He said it comes in handy with smaller opponents – there's just not a lot of chance to fight against anyone smaller than me" I laughed.

Smiling she went to sit back down beside Baba.

"Nice work Roza," Dimitri praised. "Good idea to take her out that way."