Talon Academy

Chapter Nineteen

Relief and happiness filled me as I walked into the physical training room. There was a familiarity of this room that made me feel like I belonged. A feeling that I struggled with when in the water elemental training room. I felt comfortable here and less on edge about making a mistake because it didn't feel so foreign and cold. Something I wouldn't admit to Hamish and Roubin but I wondered if they felt the same as well and liked the atmosphere we had during these training sessions.

Even though I was a few minutes late I still wasn't mad at myself because I finally achieved something with my element. Now I was excited to use my twin blades and practise with them more.

Hamish and Roubin turned around as I walked through the doors. Roubin had his longsword in his hands already and my twin swords were resting neatly in Hamish's hand.

"You're late. I hope you don't think you can get away with that with no punishment," he said slightly annoyed.

So maybe it wasn't always the best atmosphere. With both of their attitudes it was probably best I didn't get too comfortable in these classes.

"I'm sorry. I -" I began to apologize when Hamish cut in.

"I don't need an explanation. I just want you in class on time. Now run the laps as you usually do plus an extra five," he ordered.

Nodding I began to run with only the beat of my feet drumming across the floor. Roubin must have already finished the laps before I came. Running alone made it feel like it was a morning right after my dream where I was running to make myself feel safe again.

The laps ended quickly and I returned to the big mat that lay in the middle. Taking my twin swords from his hands, I began to do movement we had learned yesterday.

After a few minutes Hamish ordered us both to stop and put down our weapons.

"I want you to take a dagger each," he held out a dagger in each arm and I took one, "In your fights you won't always get to choose the weapon you fight with. Both of you use swords meaning using a dagger shouldn't feel too odd."

Taking a dagger of his own out, he continued to explain, "When using a dagger you have a shorter blade meaning your movements have to be faster and more precise. This should help you with your body movement as well as your blade handling skills."

He showed us how to move efficiently with a dagger and explained different positions. He let as practise through these as he went to put away our weapon.

"So how did it go? Had a chance to flirt with your little crush?" he teased as he continued to practise.

Rolling my eyes I answered, "I messed up at the start but then I did really well and proved myself so I'm happy. The other seem more annoyed though. James, however, was really nice and stood up for me when the others said things. He also explained things and helped."

He nodded before replying, "Your welcome for helping you before. At least you didn't break down in the class and kept going. Becoming better means your going to get enemies along the way but from the progress your making you might even get a boyfriend. Not sure if James if the best person to have as a boyfriend though."

Frowning at him I paused my movements, "I said thank you before and it's true you did help. Why do you even think I like him and why would he not be a good boyfriend either way?"

He stopped his practising and said, "Well, you do keep looking at him and it's just obvious."

"I don't have a crush on him."

"Then why do you always get so flushed? Or is it because of someone else then?"

"It's because of no one. I don't have feelings for anyone."

"You don't sound so sure," he continued to tease.

"Why do you care so much anyways?"

Before he could reply Hamish returned and declared, "It seems you both must be ready since you are no longer practising. The best way to learn, sometimes, is to get thrown into it. So both of you can attack each other; with the daggers."

I looked at him surprised before turning to Roubin. I was used to fighting with Roubin frequently during physical training but never with a weapon in hand. I raised my weapon and took my position as he did the same. At least now I can make him regret annoying me.

As soon as Hamish nodded at both of us to make sure we're ready he yelled attack. Before he could even finish saying the word our blades met and the fighting began.

Each blow was met with an equal and this continued for a long time. Having a dagger in a fight felt slightly strange and it required my movement to be quicker and sharper. Both of us seemed to be awkward with our weapon at the start but it didn't take long before we grew comfortable and fell into a rhythm.

I looked for any gaps in his defense to pierce through but he didn't allow himself to be attacked.

"You never answered by the way," I said as I kept my eyes on his attacks.

"I don't care who you like; it makes no difference to me. It's just a way to annoy you," he replied with his attacks growing stronger.

"Why do you hate me then? Don't say there's no reason because someone wouldn't be so focused..." I paused to defend against his sudden sequence of attacks before finishing what I was saying, "...on annoying someone else."

My steps moved backwards as his attacks grew even more stronger. His expression was mixed with annoyance and anger as he broke piece by piece through my defence.

"You want the reason. Fine," he said as his annoyance turned into a smirk, "I do it because of your reaction whenever you get annoyed."

My anger flared but before I could respond my dagger suddenly flew out of my hand and clattered against the floor. My back hit the wall and I was shocked at the coldness that spread across my body. The final blow flew towards me and I grabbed his wrist just as the point of the dagger lay inches above my heart.

"I hate you," I fumed as my fingers tightened on his wrist in attempt to push the dagger away.

My strength was the only thing keeping him from winning and I refused to give up. I could feel his warm breath tickle down my neck as I realised how closed he was standing. There were only of a few inches of air between us. His eyes locked onto mine and I could see the flecks of gold sprinkled across the sea of chocolate brown.

"I know," he whispered before his lips captured mine. Before my mind could even register what was happening I was lost between the smell of musk and rain. Involuntarily my eyes fluttered shut as his scent enveloped me.

Wait. What.

Realisation hit me like a brick and my eyes flew open while I attempted to shove him away, only to find myself pushed further against the wall.

He broke the kiss and, without meeting my eyes, leaned in to whisper. His voice hoarse and breathless.

"I won."

My head had been too fuzzy to realise that my grip on his wrist had loosened. The point of the dagger had been gently resting on my heart the whole time his lips had taken over mine.

My anger spiked as he turned away still meeting my eyes but before I could yell at him Hamish's voice broke into my haze.

"Leave Elizabeth. I need to have a word Roubin," he demanded and the ferociousness in his voice left no room for argument.

I nodded and made my way to the door. As I left I could hear Hamish's voice barking at Roubin.

"What the hell was that? Don't you EVER play games like that in my classroom again."

I couldn't catch the rest of it and part of me was glad that I didn't hear what Roubin had to say.

I didn't want my head or my heart to be more confused than they already were.