Chapter 2: Marc

Walking away from Tess's house, I once again began to think how strange it all was. How ironic life can be sometimes. For example, take my own relationship with Teresa. We started out as enemies. My family came from a long line of warriors and I was already the best in the group when she joined. At first, I thought nothing of her. I barely gave her a glance over until one day my master told us to work together in learning a new form. I guess I'd grown cocky and hadn't even realized how much she'd gone up. Yes, it was refreshing to finally have some competition going on, but I have to admit that I was scared. Never had I seen such determination in anyone, much less a girl. That intimidated me and I wasn't one to let that get out to anyone. So of course we fought all the time, both of us competing to be top warrior. I didn't want anyone to think I was a coward. I thought I'd scare her some. Was I in for a shock. Not only could she hold her own in an argument, but she also had this way about her. I don't know how to explain it. I was just in awe of her and I didn't even realize it when I began defending her when others picked on her in class. It didn't look like it fazed her at all but it sure got me angry. She didn't deserve any of the bad talk she was receiving, telling her she wasn't worth the time and effort of the Teachers and that she should just give up. One thing that amazed me though, was that she never talked back. She'd just ignore everyone and practice on her own if need be. The only one she really did have contact with was me and that was only because we shared the same Teacher and he thought we could work with each other the best.

I came to realize that by defending her from people, the people started calling us a couple. I denied any relationship with Tess. She was my partner in training and that was all. That would change soon enough though. After one of our classmates made a really low jab at her, I couldn't help but let the blood boil in me. I was furious because I could actually see the hurt in her eyes. She didn't bother trying to hide it from me anymore. Just as quickly as she let me see that though, she turned away and ran off. I glared at whoever it was who gave the remark and ran after her.

Being the best tracker in the village, it was a little surprising when I found it a little difficult to find out exactly where she'd gone. No one had seen her go back to her house or into the village and the sun was going to be setting soon and I was getting worried. It was entirely by chance or luck that I found her when I went to refill my water pouch at the river. There she was, sitting on one of the larger rocks staring at her reflection in the water. She'd drawn her legs up and rested her head on her knees. Silently, I approached her and lay my hand on her shoulder. I didn't comment on the tears flowing from her eyes. As soon-to-be warriors, we were told to not show our emotions but I wasn't about to reprimand her there. I took a seat next to her and we just sat there, looking down at our reflections until it got too dark to see anything.

I waited a while longer, uncertain of what to do next, but when it became apparent that she wasn't about to go anywhere, I asked her if she wanted to go back. She didn't answer. Turning to her, I was finally aware of her gentle breathing. She'd somehow fallen asleep sitting up like that. Smiling a bit to myself, I picked her up and carried her back to her house.

Kimberly gave me a strange look when she found me carrying her sleeping sister but allowed me to bring Tess in and lay her down on the bed.

She never woke during that entire trip home, but after that night, the two of us became inseparable. Almost instantly, we stopped arguing with each other both in and out of class. And to be honest, I think we worked better together when we weren't fighting. The two of us learned a lot from each other then. I learned to control my temper and be more patient; I taught her to become more assertive and confident in herself. I think the most important thing though, was that once it was apparent that we were close, everyone stopped picking on her. Then again, considering we were the top two trainees, it wouldn't have been a very smart idea anyway.

I still can't believe it in a way though. I mean, when finals came, it was as if things had changed momentarily for that day. Both Tess and I became extra competitive, if that was possible. Neither of us was going to back down and it was most unfortunate that we had to battle each other for the title. The day was always a big occasion and the entire village would come out to watch. That year was extra special because one of the top village warriors was stepping down and the best of the best were all competing to assume that spot. I could see much of my family near the side. Tess's sister was standing near the edge of the crowd as well. It was a long day, watching the younger classes go at it. I remembered those days when competition was fun… That day though, it was totally different. My family name was on the line and whether I liked her or not, I wasn't going to let it affect how I performed that day. So instead of watching the competitions like I usually did, I went off on my own to relax and prepare myself.

I made my way to the river and found her nearby, skipping stones. Nothing was said as I joined her. I looked down at the shore and tried to pick some good stones. I found a small handful when something else caught my eye. "Hey Tess! Look at this!"

She came over, curious as to what I had found. "What?" I didn't answer. I just held out a white stone to her and she took it. It was unlike any other rock we'd seen. No, nothing was too different about it. It was just interesting in that it was a perfect, oval, white stone. "That's interesting," she said, trying to give it back to me.

"No, you keep it," I said, closing her hand around the rock. I could see the shocked look in her eyes as she glanced up at me. Our eyes locked and in that moment, we communicated to each other things that hadn't been said and won't ever need to be said. It was as if in that moment, I had exposed my entire self to her and she did the same to me. I don't know how else to explain it. She knew what I had meant by letting her keep the stone and her acceptance reassured me that this was the right thing to do.

I guess the only thing that bothered me was that we never really made anything official. I mean it's obvious that we like each other a lot and we spend more and more time just relaxing and talking and whatnot. I'm not seeing anyone else and I highly doubt she is. She doesn't hang around with too many people anyway. She's still a bit anti-social and has been all her life. That doesn't matter though. She's a great person and it obviously took a lot for her to begin trusting me. That makes me feel good.

Anyway, the moment barely lasted a second and we soon drew apart. Tess muttered that she needed to go prepare for sundown, the time when our competition would be held. I nodded and watched as she walked off towards the village.

Needless to say, I pushed that moment out of my mind as soon as I began making my way back to the ceremonies. I needed to focus and go through the routines. I tried to shake off my doubts and nervousness. After all, the two of us had worked with each other so much we knew each other's weaknesses and strong points very well. I had no idea how this was going to end up and I didn't like the feeling of uncertainty.

Finally, the final moments before sundown came. This was the event everyone had been waiting for. It was time to find out who would now take on the duties, responsibilities, and prestige of being a village warrior. The Ancient One slowly approached us in the circle and the crowd quieted down. Despite his old age, he still had the proud dignity of one having been warrior leader in years past. His strong voice echoed around the plaza as we listened to him tell the story of the warrior class, how it started and what it meant for the people. With that speech done, he turned to us. We both gave him the sign of respect and then turned to each other to give each other the same sign. Nothing in either of our expressions suggested anything that had happened earlier. Both of us were determined to win; any feelings I had for her then I pushed aside. We waited for the signal to be given.

For this ceremony, it being the most important one of skill and knowledge, we were given the choice of weapons, after having been trained expertly in all of them. My preference was to use my nun chucks; her favorite was the bo staff.

The signal was given and we were at each other. For the first minute or so, we warmed up, checking each other's strengths and weaknesses as if we didn't know each other. Merciless and determined, I felt the two of us become the other's predator… For myself, I felt the mind of an assassin enter my body and I'm pretty sure she felt the same. Then I stopped thinking and just let my body act and react.

I looked into her eyes once and for a split second, I was startled to see the fierce determination in her eyes, as if she wanted to kill me. I forced myself to stop thinking again and concentrated on what I was doing. The outside world disappeared and the only two beings left were this enemy and myself.

Frustrated with myself, I doubled my efforts and startled her so much so that for the next minute, she was on the defensive and losing ground rapidly. When she finally caught herself though, I was in for a surprise. It was as if she got herself a second wind and was now putting me totally on the defensive. My worst fear came true and I helplessly got my nun chucks tangled around her staff. I watched as she effortlessly flung them outside the ring. It was now up to me to fight with my bare hands. I knew that my chances were slim. If only I could even out the odds…

Then I had my lucky break. Tess attempted a jab and I grabbed hold of her staff. It became a tug of war in which I won. I quickly familiarized myself with the feel of her bo staff and it became my turn to be on the offensive. Having the advantage, I lashed out with all I had. A couple of major factors that I forgot about Tess's fighting capabilities though, were her agility and swiftness. They turned out to be her greatest weapon when it came down to everything.

Evading one of my strokes, she somehow got behind me and pounced on me from the back. I dropped the staff in the struggle to get her arms from around my neck. We spent the next few moments rolling around on the ground, each of us trying to get on top and force the other into submission. Somehow or another though, I found myself forced onto my back. I stared up into Tess's eyes and saw her thirst for blood as she raised a hand, gripping her retrieved staff. She took one end and poised it above my throat, intending to drive it through. I watched in terror as it began its descent and by instinct, I closed my eyes and awaited the pain.

It never came and as soon as I timidly opened my eyes, I saw her smiling down at me. She gracefully got off of me and offered a hand up. The killer that had taken over her body had been replaced by the Tess I had grown to love.

I smiled again to myself as I entered my own dwelling on the other end of the village. Tess was certainly a strange woman. There were so many sides to her… I remember watching in amazement as she was awarded and given the new title of warrior leader. I gave a slight frown though, remembering how the head of the wealthiest family in the village had come forward and whispered something to the Ancient One. He beckoned Tess to come to them too and after a small discussion, the title was renounced because of her having broken a rule or something. I was top warrior.

Quickly, I had turned around and found Tess standing off to one side, a blank expression on her face but a torrent of emotions running in her eyes. As if sensing my gaze, she turned and forced a smile onto her face, as if congratulating me before turning to go off into the night. My family surrounded me, congratulating me and saying I had earned and deserved the title. I lost sight of Tess. Outside, I put on a happy face for my friends and family. Inside though, I was torn. I knew I didn't deserve this title. But I didn't question when I know now that I should have. And now, I'm still wondering what had happened. I still haven't been able to bring up the subject…

I gave a small sigh as I went to remove my gear and get ready for dinner at Tess's that night. All will be revealed in due time, I hope.

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