Strangers of Sea & Land

Chapter 6

I grinned childishly, eager to get to the gym. I was late but it would be worth it to go. The open mat session was scheduled at 7 but the appointment with Mr. Emerson overlapped it, ending at 7:30.

My rash guard snug against my skin and my gi pants loose. The familiarity was comforting, soothing my nerves after talking with Mr. Emerson. I had a bad feeling about him.

We pulled into the parking lot, seeing as most of the spaces were taken Sam decided to just drop me off instead. He turned the car around the corner of the building and slowed to stop by its side.

Stopping the car right outside one of the large garage doors that opened into the gym. The building was somewhat like a small warehouse, bought and transformed into the perfect place for mixed martial arts training.

I stepped out, slinging my backpack on one shoulder, waving goodbye to Sam and closing the door. I walked inside the building and saw several of my friends already practicing. I glanced up at the cage and saw Starla sparring. Dan and Izzy were grappling in one corner of the mat, while Trae and Dennis practiced throws in another.

Fans blew a cool mist into the whole room, fighting off the summer heat. The sound of quick heated breaths showed the effort of each fighter. I set down my bag, happy to join the team in training. I grabbed a water bottle from the cooler and marked it with my initials. Setting it beside my bag, I took off my shoes and began a warm-up.

I walked over to the rack beside the mats, taking a jump rope from it. I jumped and did a few minutes of cardio, and then stretched to prepare for some heavy rolling.

I managed to wave down Starla as she took a water break, her match having just ended.

"Decided to join us huh?" She laughed, punching my arm.

"Yeah, sorry, was too busy being interrogated," I joked. "I hate going to therapy."

"Sure, but it keeps you sharp. Gotta get your game on for the tourney."

"Bet."

We chatted for a bit and soon got onto the mats. Starla explained the drill from the earlier class I missed. A head and arm throw, nice and simple.

She gave me a tight bearhug, I pushed her hips and made some distance. One arm slipped around her neck, gripping her upper arm. The other holding on just above her elbow.

Dropping to a knee quickly, I twisted her over me and threw her to the mat. Starla broke the fall with ease, hitting the mat with a satisfying sound.

We drilled the move a few more times, relaxing, getting into a good flow. Comfortable with the movements, we got into the rolling.

Starla and I circles each other carefully, knees slightly bents and hands ready. I shot in but she grabbed onto my arms, keeping a distance. I gripped onto hers as well. I pushed her hip with one foot, controlling my balance with the other. Pushing harder, I managed to make her lose balance, and pulled guard quickly.

She sat up, keeping up her posture in attempt to break my guard. She drove her elbows into my thighs and I winced. Grabbing hold of one arm, I slid my legs higher up onto her back, quickly pushing her head aside as I wrapped my leg around her neck.

She was flexible though, and bigger than me. I might not be able to finish the arm bar, but I had to try. Starla gritted her teeth and attempted to twist out of the submission, knowing she was caught.

I pushed my hips up and locked her arm, holding tight. Soon I felt her tap, I let go immediately, not wanting to injure my partner.

"Good as ever," She smiled. "Good game!"

"GG." I felt distant. I brushed off the feeling and continued on rolling.

My blood was pumping, adrenaline courses through my veins. Each round got more and more intense. Sweat beaded on my skin, glistening in the sunlight.

The sun hadn't set quite yet, being summer, the days tended to be a lot longer than usual.

A timer buzzed, Starla and I broke apart. Both breathing hard.

"Awesome session," I said between breaths. "Can't wait for the tourney."

"Same here, you've really been practicing those arm bars huh?"

"You bet. Nice triangles by the way, flexibility is key." I laughed softly. Starla could've been a gymnast if she wanted.

"Just getting ready for Tuesday!" She winked and we both giggled.

I packed up my stuff and started heading out, waving everyone off as Sam pulled in front of the doors.

"Hey! You coming to Muay Thai tomorrow?" I heard Dennis call out.

"Of course, man!"

I smiled at the team and headed out. Wiping the sweat from my face with one arm, I climbed into the back seat. Sam crinkled his nose.

He glared at me and commented at the stink. I rolled my eyes and dismissed him. He only had to stand for a few minutes.

When we got home, Mom and Dad were out. Leaving us alone for a few hours. I headed upstairs to take a shower, feeling sticky and gross now that I wasn't focused on defending myself.

The hot water and foamy soap washed away the grime as I scrubbed at my skin. But as I washed over my face, images of the ocean and a suffocating darkness sank in. My eyes shot open and I gasped.

Soap stung my eyes but I didn't care. My heart sped and I got flashes of whatever I saw that night.

My lungs burned at the thought and my breath hitched.

Maybe Emerson was right.