Taming the Hellbeast

Ch. 2: That's one pissed-off furball

"Ok, attack me again," Jax commanded for the twentieth time. "Be fast, but do not look determined at what you're aiming for. Your opponent will be able to read you. You've got to be in control of your deceptions."

They had been training for about five months. 

She came to meet him most days after school, and he always waited for her. On the days she did not make it, he simply went patrolling and waited again the next day. She had apologized over and over the first times she had stood him up, but he had reassured her it was ok, and she should not feel bad if her life got in the way.

Santine was impressive.

Each time she learned something new, she brought that knowledge to the fight the next time. She never faltered in her commitment. If Jax told her to do something like run around the clearing fifty times or attack him the same way thirty times with the same result, she just did it. No questions and no arguments.

The way Santine pushed her body to please him made him very proud of her progress.

If Jax had to admit it, he had not wanted to praise her too much, thinking that it would go to her head and make her lazy if she felt she learned too quickly. Somehow, praise only made her want to prove herself more. Criticism did not faze her at all; she shook off the sting of failure and adjusted to earn praise instead. And when praised, she took it as a well done, believing she had mastered something and worked on the next thing he threw at her. Santine did not bask in the glory or became cocky. Jax had a newfound respect for her. 

She behaved more maturely than many actual grownups.

Jax had been working on her stamina. Speed and agility, she had plenty of, but she wore herself out fast, and she needed to preserve her energy. Fights would not always be short and easy. Sometimes multiple targets in a row would demand a lot of energy, and growing tired halfway was not an option.

Again, Santine attacked as Jax had ordered. She was quick and getting better, and she could feel the difference in each attack, though the result was the same every time. Jax would dodge her or, worse, push her away with ease.. She got up and shook her head to clear her vision and dust off her fur.

"One day, I'll beat you." She smiled confidently and got ready for another attack.

"Tell you something, sweetheart. The day you beat me, I'll give you anything you wish for."

"Anything? Like a Lamborghini, a trip around the world, or jewelry?"

Santine was once again jumping with excitement in front of him.

'Did furball just ask us for a diamond ring? I mean, she's cute and all, but just no!'

'I think she was just being girly there, Phoenix. She's a kid, and I don't think she's crushing on us.' Jax sighed, though he could not fault Phoenix for thinking like that. Most of the women they had interacted with were gold-diggers.

'You never know. We're kinda hot, and furball might have a daddy complex.'

Acker retched loudly. 'Eew, stop that. She's fucking twelve.'

'Sorry, bro.'

'Guys, can we not do this?' 

Jax loved them as much as he knew how to love, but talking about a twelve-year-old was simply creepy as fuck.

"I said anything. If what you want is one of those things, I'll get it for you. However, a Lamborghini will not be until you have a valid license. Deal?" He was not even sure how she would explain a brand new Lamborghini to her parents. They would have to cross that bridge if they came to it.