ONEUS 18 + Blood Moon - Vampire - (Book 1)

Fear Part 3

The room was palpable with the weight of the revelation. The rich deep tone of Leedo's voice placidly softened the strained silence 'We will protect you and will not harm you, you have my word' he stated. Neoma glanced towards him with gratitude, 'Thank you for the reassurance Leedo' she answered, Leedo provided a firm nod in response. Neoma continued addressing the group 'I can assure you that whilst I am eternally grateful to you all for everything, I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, my father trained me well'. The silvery sound of Ravn's chuckling aggravated her to her core, 'What exactly is so amusing' she asked testily. 'Nothing at all' responded Ravn smugly, 'However, I would be curious to test your skills Princess' he began, his onyx eyes glittering with anticipation, 'Just to reassure myself'.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Neoma responded 'Of course'. She watched with satisfaction, as, taken aback by her response, his smug grin was replaced by a brief look of astonishment before quickly being replaced by his mask of infuriating indifference. 'Well' he said, standing up and approaching her in one fluid motion, 'Shall we all adjourn to the hall for some Escrima practice?'  Neoma was familiar with the use of Escrima staffs having been taught in the art of this traditional combat style from a very young age. Leedo spoke again, 'Ravn, I don't think this is necessary' turning to Neoma he continued, 'you don't have to do this, Ravn possess precognition' he explained, 'this provides him with an an unfair advantage.' 

Neoma understood now that this explained why Ravn was aware of her eves dropping the night before, and how he was able to locate her so easily during the chaos in the palace. No doubt he would be able to use is power to predict her strategy in combat. She felt the burn of Ravn's stare prickling her will. Despite the knowledge that she was now distinctly disadvantaged, Neoma was not going to give him the satisfaction of backing down. 'I believe it is important to practice' she responded with cool resolve. Ravn held out his hand 'Shall we' he asked, his midnight eyes dancing.  Neoma nodded and took his hand, it was smooth and cool, like Xion's hands. However, Neoma did not feel any comfort from Ravn's touch. Together they left the room, followed by Leedo and Hwanwoong. To Neoma's relief, the others did not appear to wish to spectate. 

It was not long before the small group entered the training hall, the room was large with shining wooden floor. Various Escrima staffs were hung on the walls and three badly beaten looking mannequins stood towards the far corner, evidence of the use of fiercely extreme combat style. Ravn strode towards the weapon rack and selected two Escrima sticks. He absently threw one to Neoma. She caught it quickly, the durable and light weight rattan felt sturdy in her hand. Ravn raised an eyebrow at the speed of her reflexes which increased Neoma's desire to wipe the smug smile from his admittedly alluring face. 

Leedo and Hwanwoong stood with their backs against the wall and their arms crossed whilst they silently observed the proceedings with firm expressions. Neoma and Ravn assumed their fighting positions. The look in Ravn's eyes were intense. His grin sparkling with anticipation as he suggested silkily, 'Ladies first'. Neoma stepped slowly around Ravn. One of the most important lessons taught to her by her father, was to rely on clear calculation and logic and reserve any emotional energy towards the opponent or they would use it against you. From what she could observe, despite his long muscular legs, Ravn's stance conveyed that he was more likely to be relying on his upper body strength. This meant that Neoma would need to aim towards his lower torso and wrists and finish him with a foot sweep.

With assured confidence in her strategy and skill, Neoma attempted to strike Ravn twice to the left side of his torso. Ravn responded with scorpion tail speed and snapped back both attempts. As the pair continued to circle each other, Ravn gave a slight smile and advanced towards her.  Neoma attempted to stand firm, refusing to be undermined as Ravn raised his staff and began striking with unabashed force. Neoma proficiently defended each attempt of Ravn's contact through a combination of swift evasion and rapid blocking using her own staff. The cracking clashing sound of their sparring combined with occasional shouts of frustration from both opponents filled the room.