With a uniform that sported a royal blue blazer, a Jersey and scarf with a gold and blue colour palette, grey pants and the formal shoes of your choosing, it was no wonder why everyone thought that the students of Rosemary were nothing short of nobility. It was hard enough for your average middle-class citizen to even be considered in this school, and how was she able to land a spot in this school? A handout from a man she didn't even know. Though it was an improvement from her old school situation, one thing was abundantly clear to her.
I hate this school. Nami thought standing in a line in front of the Rosemary Dojo. The idea of putting the children of rich and important people all under one roof was absurd in her eyes, though she had barely spoken to anyone there she could already tell that she wouldn't be getting along with any of them.
"Hey there, your name is Nami right? I'm Duncan, we're in the same homeroom class." Nami stared at him blankly, creating an awkward silence between them.
"I just wanted to ask why you wanted to join this club? I mean even if you're athletic there are a lot of other clubs that you would be better suited for." He said, causing the girl to inwardly role her eyes.
There goes that famous question. How many times did she need to hear that same doubt from her peers? Though she understood why it still irked her down to the fibre of her being, as if she had a say in how her genetics treated her. Standing at only 5′5, with some muscle hidden under the jersey, she was barely half the size of most of the people in the line.
"I'm sorry, Duncan but I honestly couldn't care less about the other clubs." Nami said calmly, despite her deep seeded annoyance. Bastien came around and put an arm over Duncan's shoulders. "It's okay dude, if she's confident enough to join, then the best we can do is welcome her with open arms." He said with an ingenuine smile.
"Worry about my skill as a fighter all you want; it doesn't change the ass whooping I can give everyone here." She finished, crossing her arms defiantly. Bastien eye twitched. Removing his arm off Duncan shoulders he stood before the girl, towering over her with his 6'5 frame.
"I don't care how good you think you are doll; this is Rosemary high. We have the best combat club in Newark and come second in the whole continent. We have three city gold medallist and one of them, me actually, is also a regional gold medallist. So, I would strongly advise you to rethink your choice for wanting to join this club." Bastien dropped his arms and began flexing his forearms, revealing his lean and vain filled arm. She stared unflinchingly at his icy blue gaze, dropping her hands to her sides as she waited for him to make the first move.
"Bastien Leclue!" Bastien's Name was called by the instructor. He blew air through his nose before turning to fetch his training gear. Nami stared at his back as a familiar rush of excitement began to bubble up within her.
"You've got yourself into some deep shit there Nami, Bastien is not the type to pull his punches on a pretty face." Duncan warned but was taken aback when he saw a momentary expression of joy on her face before it disappeared a second later. Nami's expression returned to its elusive and unreadable state, bringing down a chill down Duncan's spine before he turned to go get his training gear.
"Nami come get your gear." Nami stepped forward. "This is the smallest size I can find but I'm positive that it can fit you." The instructor said before coughing awkwardly. "You should, erm, also come wearing your own sports bra too." His awkward demeanor brought a chuckle to Nami as she took her clothes from him. Must be his first time having a female student. She thought.
"That's okay sir, already ahead of you." She pulled the elastic bra and let it snap back onto her skin from under her shirt.
"That's what I like to hear. Now go get dressed with the others. Scream if those boys try anything on you." He said, not expecting the smile that crept on her lips.
"I'd like to see them try." She said confidently before entering the dojo.
_____________//____________//__________//
The guys' changing room was filled with chatter, but those soon reduced to whispers as Nami entered. Being a predominantly male space, she didn't expect there to be female facilities. All eyes were on here as she walked to a free stall and locked the door on her way in.
"Daym dawg when did she become a part of the club?"
"It's not every day you see a female warrior, all it takes is one pregnancy or bad period and then boom, career is over."
"Ain't she the silver-medallist of the Kami cup though? I heard rumors saying that a girl like that would be joining Rosemary."
"Nah bro, that's impossible. Her body is too small to pack that much of a punch."
"For a girl like her to make it that far then she must be a real problem 1 on 1. Only tomboys would strive for something like that."
"Ya you right, in the world we live in I doubt I'd be surprised if she was packing an extra leg."
"Ya she could be one of those chicks with a dick typa ting." (Ting: Slang term that's used to refer to a girl, or at times a very attractive girl if it's exaggerated.)
"Man get your Futanari loving ass outta here we all know your story." The guys erupted in laughter after hearing that. (Futanari: A person with both male and female genitals. Chicks with Dicks)
It stopped immediately after Nami walked out.
Damn, do all boys share the same braincell or what? They're just like locker rooms in the Kami cup. Nami thought to herself after hearing everything, then again it wasn't like they were trying to be reticent.
She wore the training gear that was given to everyone. This consisted of a tight blue bodysuit and over it she wore baggy boxing shorts that were filled by her plump and round glutes, proof of her training and Motherland lineage. Lastly, she wore the school's white sports shirt that was baggy enough for her to pass as a boy. Shoes were not required. The guys were awe struck as they quietly starred as she left the changing room. Once the door closed behind her the chatter started up again.
"I call dibs."
"Nah bro, but she a ting though!"
"Yeah, a ting with a thing, mind you."
"You don't know that." Laughing the other guy replied. "Yeah, but what if she is? Are you gon' take one for da team?"
"Eyy man, none of the tings you've dated looked as good as her."
"Eyy bro when was the last time you dated a ting." Before he could reply another guy from across the room called out "Never!"
The whole locker room burst out in laughter as the guy sat back down laughing at himself too.
"Aight bet, I can bag that by the end of the freshmen Orientation." Duncan chuckled to himself after hearing that.
Good luck with that. He thought, walking out with Bastien after they finished dressing.
"Get a tings number first bro, your chats been looking dry since we was freshmen." The locker room laughed at him, but it was cut short when the instructor came in to hurry them up. In 5 minutes, the guys were on their knees quietly waiting for the instructor to begin the lesson. The entire floor was matted, there was no gym equipment or any obstacles around to obstruct the students. Practically it was an empty room with white walls and a red ceiling, Nami even noticed a few red stains on the blue rubber mat. A great sign that the members of that dojo didn't mess around.
"It's nice to see everyone has rested well over the Holiday but as good as rest is for your mental state it sets us back in terms of our fitness. From tomorrow onward we will be working on regaining our lost fitness but today I would like to use as a measurement of everyone's strength. We will take each other on in one-on-one sparring matches." Some chatter began to build up amongst the students and Nami's eyes locked with Bastien's who was staring back at her.
"I am aware that there are some of you who want to settle some old rivalry or whatever, but match ups will be chosen by yours truly. After our fitness has been regained only then will you decide who you would want to spar with understood."
"Yes sir!" The learners said in unison.
"Right then the first match up shall be Bastien and Mitchell. Step to the square." Bastien stood up and walked in the circle. He was followed by a guy with short blonde hair, cut in a short buzz cut.
"Bastien." The blonde greeted.
"Mitchell." Bastien responded, staring down at his opponent. The guy Bastien faced wasn't short by any merit, but Bastien being the tallest in the dojo made him look small in comparison. The shirt he wore hugged his well-defined muscles and his cold icy gaze could send a chill down any opponent. Nami had to admit that he was quite intimidating, but that realization excited her even further.
"We are all familiar with the rules but due to some new faces I'll explain. Right now, it's all about forcing your opponent to quit. So, it's either you render them unable to fight or make them utter the words 'I quit' to win the match." Bastien didn't like that he was going first but if showing off his strength would intimidate her then he would have been fine with that. He had no intention of beating her up in the first place, but still that look in her eyes earlier stirred up a fire in him. There were 17 of them in the dojo. So, if he was able to end the match quickly, he would still have a chance at taking Nami on. And maybe then he'd show her that combat is not for women.
A master in two fighting styles, huh? If what dad said about her is true, then she truly is the greatest in this dojo. Bastien could feel his own excitement rising.
"Before we start, I have some choice words for my opponent." Mitchell requested. Bastien blinked out of his thoughts. The instructor nodded giving him the permission. "You've been the star for quite a while now, Bastien. But this year I will take captaincy and become the face of this dojo, even if that means I have to kick your ass to do it." He declared. Getting an uncaring sigh from Bastien which almost instantly turned into a riled-up glare. He had to stay focused. Underestimating one's opponent was frowned upon in Knight's code. In order to show proper respect, he'd have to give it everything he got. The instructor told the rest of his students to sit by the wall, giving the two enough space to beat each other senseless.
"BEGIN!!"
Mitchell was a Rivercaller of Water-God style which was weak against Bastien's Earth-God style. It wasn't the first time they crossed fists. Other than the countless sparring sessions they had only fought once, going all out. Yes, he remembered it all as if it had happened yesterday, the day Bastien nearly took his life. He grinded his teeth as he shoved the memory to the back of his mind. He needed to focus on the present moment or miss his chance to prove himself to the rest of the dojo, no, to himself.
The two approached each other ever so slowly. When finally in striking range Bastien faked a jab which caused Mitchell to jump back, but before he could launch himself back Bastien swept his leading foot, causing him to fall on the mat with a loud thump. He was still afraid. Mitchell got up and fired a hook aiming for his face. Bastien ducked and jabbed him on his left ribs. This caused Mitchell to recoil back but Bastien wasn't finished with him. Mitchell threw another punch to get Bastien off him only for Bastien to catch his fist and pull him closer to knee him in the stomach. Bastien twisted and Judo flipped Mitchell on the mat. Mitchell rolled to catch his balance but once he was on one knee Bastien fired a side kick hitting him directly on the nose and ending the fight.
"That's enough. Winner is Bastien." Nami had to hold herself back from screaming in excitement.
That sweep was Water-God. With his power I wouldn't have guessed that he dabbled in Water-God. With his proficiency level he has got to be a Rivercaller or a StreamStepper at least. With a body suited for Fire-God and Earth-God, but with the discipline to study Water-God to close out his weak points. It's no wonder why he is the strongest in this Dojo. Nami was nearly jumping for joy, but held herself back when she saw a few guys already had their eyes on her.
The match ended in 20 seconds, and with that in mind Nami could already tell what angel Bastien was going for.
Looks like it won't be as boring as I first thought. Nami thought locking eyes with Bastien's icy blues.
The rest of the fights went by quickly and Nami began to think that the instructor was purposely pairing the weaker guys with the stronger ones. Another match ended with a guy being thrown on the mat. Until it was her turn.
"Due to the uneven numbers Bastien step on the mat. Nami you're up." Nami sighed and walked on the mat.
I guess it was inevitable. Of course, the instructor would pair his strongest fighter against me. It wouldn't be fair otherwise. She thought.
"Ready to lose?" Bastien asked.
"Do I look like a mirror?" Nami retorted.
"Bastien you shall be the referee for this match." The instructor said handing him the white flag.
"But---"
"Nami, the silver medallist in the Kami Cup Tournament otherwise known as BlackSilver. It is an honour to have you join my dojo. I'm Brendan Leclue but please call me Instructor. You might not know this, but I am the Retired Sword of Newark. Don't expect this to be easy." Nami was shocked with the sudden change but was still excited as she had never tested her metal against a former Royal knight.
"It's good to make your acquaintance Mr. Leclue. Fair warning if you hold back, you will regret it." Nami noticed the bitter look on Bastien's face and smiled knowing their feelings for each other were mutual. Nonetheless he played his role as the ref.
"BEGIN."
Nami carefully stalked her opponent who stood with his arms relaxed by his sides, a tactic Nami was familiar with. He was hiding his fighting style. Of course, there was a few methods to force them to reveal their hand. In the blink of an eye she closed the gap between them and fired a punch aimed at his abdomen but quickly jumped back, dodging a back hand that could've taken her head off. Nami steadied her breathing knowing if she rushed her attack, it would put her in danger.
It's good to see age hasn't blunted the blade of this Retired Sword. Nami thought as the instructor stood in a low fighting stance.
Earth God style, huh. Nami smiled.
She slowly approached him this time purposely getting in his strike range. He fired a quick jab which she dodged and fired her own, but it was blocked. Her arm was grabbed this time and Nami immediately knew what was next. She guarded her abdomen, expecting a heavy straight punch.
But Nami was surprised as she was pulled in for a high knee to the face. She couldn't dodge so she put her hand on her chin to absorb some of the impact. She recoiled back leaving herself open. The instructor aimed for a punch to the stomach but missed when she twisted and responded with a back hand punch of her own.
Nami then swung a kick to his left rib cage. But he caught her foot with his under arm. Almost reflexively she leaped off her strong foot and fired a kick straight to his Jaw. She fell on her back after he let her go. Nami quickly took the opportunity to send him off balance. She kicked his right leg making him fall on his back, but the instructor was quick to recover as he rolled himself back to his feet. He took in a deep breath and almost instantly appeared in front of her with a punch connecting with her mid-section. This winded Nami badly as she fell to the floor. He came from above her to fire the finishing blow, but Nami rolled to the side and back on her feet again. The footwork of Wind-God to finish the fight with a heavy stomp stripped from Earth-God. Would've been an impressive feat if the two could mix in the first place!
She ran straight at him and jumped catching him off guard. He tried to sidestep but Nami's legs wrapped around his neck and in a quick motion she flipped him in a Hurricanrana. His back hit the floor with a loud thud. I can win this, Water-God style is all I need.
Nami took his arm and wrapped it with her legs putting him in an arm lock submission. She leaned back to put more pressure on his elbow and she could feel that she was close to Snapping it. Until she felt his chest rise and he started to pull his arm back.
He struggled to fight Nami's strength but was able to get a grasp on his hand and rolled over her to finally lift her up. Nami thought of letting go but it was already too late. In a swift movement he threw Nami's body with extreme force onto the mat. The ground shook a little, but it was enough for the learners sitting down to feel it.
Nami was absolutely winded, but she still forced her body to roll back to escape the inevitable. This time she was in too much pain to get back on her feet. Wasting no time, the instructor rushed in and fired the finishing blow headed straight for her face.
Water-God style: Drop flow
The moment his fist made contact with her hand she pushed and twisted her body with the momentum of his fist and once her legs wrapped around his neck she used her body weight and his forward momentum to force him to fall down and once that happened, she stood up and twisted her body for a spin kick that connected cleanly with the instructor's right cheek sounding like a loud belly flop. The fight was over, but just as she was about to remove her leg the instructor pulled it towards him and pounced at her. Though he was close she could still slip under him.
Wind-God style…
Just as she begun the technique her leg froze on her and in that split second, the instructor pinned Nami under him and fired a punch aiming straight for her face. She closed her eyes to brace for the coming pain but was met with a light breeze that passed by her face.
She knew what had happened without even opening her eyes.
"I quit." Nami let out in a disappointed whisper.