Once there was the sun.... (Vy and Ky)

[*]

The nightmares are dying down. My mind has started to become clearer as the days go by. No word about Jins has occured. Matthew has went back to the academy. Life seems to be falling back into place, one day at a time. I guess the saying is true. There is healing with time; for me at least. I couldn't ask for anything better than the friends that I have around me and the guy that has made my life worth living. With healing comes training, as I've got a session early this morning with Vy, cause I know she won't go easy on me. Plans were, basically, meet up early and spar. What we do the rest of the day, is up to her at least. I've pretty easy about what we going to get started.

I get dressed like any other normal day, but I can't just pass by the mirror without looking at it. It's something I used to do with my mom. It's a tradition. I"m not vain. It's quite the opposite. I look in the mirror just to see what kind of person I'll be that day. Whether there will be a frown on my face or some angry expression. First impressions are hard to take back once someone deems you unworthy. So, as I glance into the mirror at this brunette, I sigh. I can see the dark circles under my eyes, hidden beneath the makeup. I've not had a chance to really take care of that part of myself, as sleep still comes in spurts. As for the rest of my appearance, something about me seems off. I'm not sure what, but maybe its the fact that I've matured all of a sudden? Being seventeen has that effect, don't it?

"Seventeen with two weeks experience." I shake my head, seeing the genuine smile on my face. It's been a while since I've seen it myself, but it's always there around Matthew and Vy. Tyren as well. It's weird, me and him. We've become close, somehow. He's taken a role in my life best described as having a brother. He's different from Jeran though. I'm not sure why, but I feel it's best and easier to talk to him, so I don't think about Jeran that much when it comes to issues with my life. I keep it with my friends and them alone. They are the ones that I can trust, only trust, with what may be going through my head. Today, will definately be interesting.

I'm sparring with Vy.

The thought instantly reminds me how I had beaten her at the underground fight when I first met her. Her and all of her boyish attitude and cocky self impressions of what a woman would act like if she only ran around with the guys.

A yawn escapes my lips, pulling my hand to cover it just in time before I force my eyes open to stay awake for the day. I wish that I could get all the sleep that I've been missing. Since I can't, I head out the door, letting the warm morning air fuel me. Without hesitation, I take off in a jog. My breath moves in and out quickly, showing me how much out of shape I really am in. Past couple of months, things have always happened and put me through a living hell. It's time to get back to my roots.

It seems with a head full of thoughts, the jog took no time at all to reach my destination. Even though, it's daunting to go inside, I just put up a brave front. I walk in the doors to the quiet gym and get a sense of dejavu in this place. Laying my stuff down near the sparring mats, I sit down and adjust my shoes. "Where you at Vy?" I question the air around me, whispering to the passing wind as if a secret needed to be kept.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

Friends, what an odd term to use for someone like Vy. The girl raised to only fight and never care. That her only purpose in life was to win the games, or die trying... When Brooklyn came about that all changed, and only briefly molded her into a better person. By briefly only when the little one's in her presence, nothing to prepare her for this move to another part of the district. Where she's actually formed close relationships and trust. Something even more far out reached then picturing herself with a baby. That happened though, only paving the road for this new life she's discovered for herself and Brooklyn.

With friendship comes hanging out, making plans, fulfilling them. Following a schedule was always easy for Vy, not so much with a toddler though. Being behind has just been a regular thing for the past two years. Not really the time now though as she rushes to not be extremely late to meet up with Kyanite. Of all days Brooklyn had to pick today to sleep in? Rugrat's usually a built in an alarm clock, set for super early. Of course this morning she has to choose to give her mother a break. The one time she was counting on the early wake up call.

As slowly as ever Brooklyn consumes her breakfast. It's hard to not take this personal, though it may just seem like everything's taking forever. Eventually they make it out the door at least. And by this point Vy's sprinting with the little one bouncing on her hip. A mile before the gym the bright and colorful building for the daycare comes into view. With her luck so far, Brooklyn will put up a fit as always when it comes to getting dropped off. And of course that's exactly what happens. It's absolutely heartbreaking to hear her screams for mommy, but it has to be done though. "Only a couple of hours baby girl." Not like her words will matter at this point, and she hurries off to the rest of her short journey.

Takes no time at all to complete that last trek to the gym, especially with the lack of a kid now. "Hey sorry I'm late." Vy greets Kyanite with a slight grin before it fades into her normal monotoned expression. "Brooklyn wasn't too happy with getting dropped off at daycare." Sharing things isn't usually her thing, but comes out naturally for some reason. "What's up?" That's like asking how she is, right? Not really clear on how to approach the whole female friendship, it's always been just dudes. Can't be much different.

[*]

My shoes are horrible to lace this morning. For some reason, the strings have unraveled around the ends, causing me much grief to try to poke the frayed edge through the small circle and when I finally get it, that's when I hear Vy walking through the doors. My eyes look up first, then my head tilts upward to see Vy. It's such an awkward moment to be with her. Which has me automatically going back to that night filled with those kisses from her. It's almost like the more I need to forget about it, I just can't. Even Matthew teased me about it, but I didn't deny it. The kisses weren't 'unwanted'. Though, Matthew and I, are the ones that are going to stay together. Somewhere deep inside, something screams at me to think about things that would more or less be 'forbidden' between us two.

I force those thoughts out of my mind for obvious reasons. We're friends. Best friends? I wonder as she explains the reason for her lateness. I nod my head just a little bit when I hear that Brooklyn had to be dropped off at the daycare and then the question arises about myself. I give her an honest shrug.

"Nothing's up. Just waiting around." I tell her, once again, covering the yawn that escapes from me, showing just how tired I am; my eyes watering with the yawn. I shake my head vigorously to get rid of the feeling of exhaustion and let my legs drop to touch the mats, still sitting with my legs somewhat crossed. "How was your morning? Seems a bit hectic just by the way your breathing. Do you even need to work out?"

I question her and push one of my legs out, curling the other one in toward my thigh, stretching outward to get the muscles warmed up. I drop my head on my knee until a burning sensation causes me to quit and rotate to the next leg, in the same position. Again, I hold the pose until the burn starts to become too much.

I stop though, pulling both legs in to cross them as I glace at her. "Don't just stand there, Vy." I tease her and wait for her to sit before I make another comment. "We are still sparring, correct? You aren't going to go easy on me, right?"

I try to searach her features for any sort of joking manner or seriousness, but without letting her answer I"m already blurting out another answer as well. "No cheap shots today, right?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

When nothing's up that usually means a lot of things are. It's like saying you're fine when asked how you're doing. Still they both don't go deeper then that unless it's a concerned friend. And as much as Vy would love to dive into problems that can be dealt with after a good train. Get out unnecessary energy and shorten any negative conversations with the process. Something about a workout always seems to do that. So with as bad as she feels with making Ky wait, she heads for a joke as always. "Pretty sure the ceiling's up." She gives another grin, though they don't last as long as they didn't at the camping trip. Least they're coming out more frequently.

"Ha ha, funny." So that smile sticks around a little longer then expected. Surprisingly Kyanite doesn't communicate as a typical girl either. Morning's are always crazy with a toddler though, something she'll discover one day. Having to leave the rugrat behind drained her more then the mile run here. Like that's going to hold her back though. A broken knee couldn't even do such a thing, and now that's nearly healed. "Chickening out so soon?" Vy does what she does best and turns the table. Hopefully by now Kyanite knows it's only a playful thing. The one's she hates would hear much worse then a tease from her.

Instead of getting straight to it as Vy expects, Kyanite begins to stretch first. Guess that's a common chick thing to do. Always training with the guys, that's not really how Vy does things. Plus it just looks so feminine, something she'd rather just do at home. So she does at the dudes do and takes off her shirt as always. For some reason males never train, or do anything for that matter, with a shirt. Why should Vy? Thoughts of that long kiss didn't even cross her mind. Not until the cloth's already being pulled over her head. Would it be awkward for her to only have a sports-bra on? Well it'll be more awkward to put it back on. So she simply shrugs and keeps her mind off of any of that. Easy enough without the alcohol impairing her system...

Things seem to be fine as Kyanite jokes for her to not just stand there. Well she assumed they were going to spar, but apparently the Brunette still needs to go through her little routine. So she takes a seat at the bench where she also hangs her shirt and places her water bottle. Everything else was left at the daycare with Brooklyn. Vy has always traveled light though her little one doesn't in the least.

Plans are reaffirmed over the purpose of this meet up being to spar. Seems like everyone always wants a go at it with big bad Vy, not that she minds. Best training for a career is practicing the real stuff. Just to be sure Kyanite personally requests that she doesn't go easy on her. Would of been a question a couple of months ago, but now it may hold some relevance. "Of course not." Vy acts like she wasn't considering how hard she was going to fight. After all they're friends now, she's not used to that.

Without even a pause Kyanite mentions no cheap shots. The brutal kick to the knee while she was the one on the floor and about to lose wasn't the most fair, but Vy's not one to complain about that sort of stuff. No rules in the real games, why should there be here? "Just sparring." She reassures with a small chuckle. With that she retrieves to her feet to make it over the set of mats. Should be enough of that stretching business. "Ladies first." She presents with a smile just as she did a few months back. Going into the fighting protection stance.

[*]

Pulling the muscles to stretch before any excercise is common knowledge for those who would use it correctly. More than once, I've pulled something without stretching, so, whether it's a quick warm up run or a few minutes of stretching, it baffles me why Vy isn't doing anything to get ready for this sparring match. What she does end up doing, has my eyes adverting away from her for a moment. She slips her shirt off, revealing nothing but her sports bra underneath. So many things screaming through my head, as I turn back to look at her then gaze away and let my eyes drop to the top of my knees. Is this what Matthew was going through when he declared that he wasn't into guys? When it was so dire that I knew that him and Tyren was nothing more than just friends. For me, is it different? We're females. Can we have the same thoughts running through our heads, and if so, why do I find myself needing to shake those memories of that nights kisses? Alcohol proves to screw with your head in more than one way.

I'm sober today. Completely. Not an ounce of alcohol in my system and I'm back to the embarresment of seeing Vy in just her top covering. I blow it off easily though by continueing the stretch until I make her sit down and explain that what we have going is to be a fair fight. Not any of that cheating shit she pulled on me when we first met. No cheap shots or the like, cause if she does, I won't hesitate to make sure she knows it and she'll get her reward for going over the boundaries again. However, she makes the truce, which earns her a deal making nod with my head.

"Just sparring." Her laugh is making me a little weary, almost as if she's trying to trick me, but I only let it go with the same remark.

"Just sparring. Right." The next thing on my agenda is to get my arms a little bit limber, but for some reason, Vy's had it with my morning routine. She's already heading to the mats and with an annoyed shake of my head, I get up from the floor. Just as I start to head over to her, I realize that my street clothes are still on, so I raise a hand up to Vy. "Sorry, let me go change."

I take a shirt that I've got stashed away in my bag and run for the locker room to change quickly, coming out with a light pink, form fitting sports shirt. It covers most of my stomach, leaving a little of space between my shorts and the shirt. The no sleeve look comes in handy in heated conditions such as these and the weather turning warmer outside already.

I throw my street shirt over to my other things, taking my place on the mat and taunt her willingly. "Should we see what kind of moves you have today? Or... does that only happen when you are drunk off your rear?" I tease her and with that as a small distraction, I run at her, angling my body to take her off her feet if, she doesn't block me first.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Is Kyanite worried that Vy will be ruthless as always? Should Vy be as well? Purposely go gentle even though she's used to only fighting with guys. With males she didn't have to be soft in the least. She has brought a few of them to tears over a friendly sparring match. But Ky also requested for her to not go easy. This is far too confusing. What's a cheap shot exactly? Because to her it's only an excuse for a poor block. Guess she'll settle with not giving much power behind her hits. Either way they need to get to this spar already. Cut the silly stretching stuff, before the Blonde starts staring and is unable to rid of those thoughts she's successfully keeping away currently.

"Exactly." She reassures again as she travels over to the mats. "Now come on before I grow old." Vy gives a joking complaint. After all Kyanite should of had plenty of time to stretch with her being late. Seems like she didn't use that time up at all as she has to run off to change. Typical girl, keeping the guys waiting. Vy can't do anything but laugh at this point. "Oh chicks." Vy continues with her soft chuckle as Ky bounces out of the room. Falling back on the mats to do her own stretching of just laying there and enjoying the silence. Doesn't occur often with a toddler around.

The sound of the door opening has Vy jumping back to her feet. With how coy Kyanite can be, she's fully expecting a trick attack. Just a casual walk in which brings a smile to her face. Something about the Brunette's presence is always amazing. How she knows all these secrets, yet doesn't make Vy regret it in the least. It's something in her personality, though the blonde's unable to figure out why. As friends, or more. Doesn't really matter now as they're able to spend time together. No need to label anything.

This time Kyanite's starting off with the taunting. Though Vy fully does remember how much she likes to talk during fights. It's for distraction, or... Yup, distraction because before she realizes it her now-opponent is charging towards her, and only a foot away. With no time to prepare, her only way to keep balance is by grabbing onto the one trying to shove her to the floor. Instead they both go tumbling down though. Bringing back way too many memories of that one night. Instinctively Vy has them flipping for her to be on top, before they've hardly hit the mat. "I see you fight the same as when you're drunk." She has to laugh over the situation.

The sudden start of the game managed to knock a little wind out of Vy as she's already breathing a little hard. In a matter of seconds she catches it though, a grin already spread across her lips. No alcohol makes this a no go though. She gets back to her feet before any bad thoughts can occur. "Come on lets have a real spar, Kyanite." She decides to do a little teasing herself, extending her hand to help the Brunette to her feet. "No guy around for you to excite." Once they're both back up, Vy's retrieving a couple of feet back to get into a fighting stance again.

[*]

Taunts and distractions used to be my way through fights. Get someone's mind off the fight with questions or, depending on their attitudes, insults to get their mind off what their next move will be. Even works when their trying to plan out their next move, I would casually start spouting out different attacks and over half the time, they would never know which I would do. Say what I'm going to do, then actually do it throws them off. When I tell them I'm doing an alternate attack, they actually seem to prepare for it.

I used to have my ways, but I can tell, I'm severely out of practice. Vy might be able to change that though as I give her the first taunts since that fateful day when I met her. When she dislocated my elbow and rebroke the healing bone. I'm only weary about it in theory because I've not used it much since that day or since I've gotten it out of that damn cast. Today will test the strenth left in my arm.

I charge at her, full on, to just give myself a good head start. Though, Vy's going to be better at protecting herself then I thought when she not only stops me, but takes me to the floor with her. It is a little awkward to have her pinning me down in this fashion. Her body is over me, her eyes staring down at me. I give off a pitiful gasp for air, but try to buck her off. She don't budge though, and I don't blame her. She should know that I just won't lie down. Any leverage I get, I'm passing on in the form of a violent attempt to get out of her control.

I have to start chuckling to her comment, though, because it is just true. What she said about fighting the same without me being drunk. I open my mouth to exclaim the same. "Same goes for you. I thought you would put up a better challenge. Won't be the first time you've had me on bottom." I pucker my lips, teasing and taunting her so.

"Come on lets have a real spar, Kaynite." There's her responce to me. If she wants a real spar, then she needs to bring the fire. I fight against her grip again, bucking upwards to try to knock her off of me. My breaths become ragged as I realize that this isn't going to work. Instead, she's on her feet and getting me to my own before I know it.

"One must... give to receive. I made the first move. Your turn. Isn't that right.... Vanity?" My lips spread apart in a wide smile, knowing that I just release the tiger from its cage.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Yup, this all turns out to be a bad idea. Even though they're only sparring it's far to fresh and similar. Bringing back memories of drunken confusion. Vy was determined to keep her mind off of those thoughts, but Kyanite's not allowing that. She has to mention the fact this isn't the first time they've been in this position. Though the only things fighting then were lips. This circumstance is completely different. Only a reaction for Vy, to either keep her balance or bring her opponent down with her. Guess it's easy to take it in other ways though.

To prevent anymore of this sort of talk she's jumping to her feet, still offering a hand to the one that confuses her so. The words that have already formed in her brain and flow from her lips works perfectly for the response she was unsure how to give. Kyanite has a boyfriend, and Vy probably couldn't handle being with a girl. Plus she has a close friend for the first time in her life, she wouldn't want to ruin that. Best idea is to just get back to sparring. Keep their dirty thoughts for another time, especially since alcohol doesn't even impair their systems currently. Now's about getting back into that career mindset, maybe have a little fun in between. Friendly fun that is.

Once Kyanite takes hold of Vy's extended hand she automatically pulls the Brunette up to her feet. Usually it's guys that she knocks to the floor, and their much heavier. So to make up for the fact she's not all big and bad Vy's real name slips from her mouth, probably to add a little fuel to this dry & dead fire. "That push was your first move?" It's only right to tease right back, a grin playing on Vy's lips. Well if the girl insists.

When it actually comes down to delivering an attack, Vy can't pull herself around to do it. She remains in the fighting stance, just incase Kyanite goes for a trick again. She's only used to fight with guys, and with them she doesn't have to go soft. This is only a spar though, they're not suppose to give full force. Something Vy's unsure if she can manage. For some reason it just feels like one hard kick will break Kyanite in two. "Lets get some gear." She decides to simply pause the whole thing and go with a better strategy. If they put padding on their knuckles and feet the blows won't be as rough. Not leaving it as an idea she retrieves to the closet off in the corner of the room, leaving the head pieces and grabbing two sets of everything else.

"Now I won't be tempted to go easy on ya." She explains, throwing pieces over to Kyanite individually for her to catch. One set is strapped onto her own hands and feet. Once Ky's ready she gets back into her fighting position. Apparently it's her turn to give the first strike. Whatever floats her opponent's boat. She puts all her focus into her upper body. Shuffling around her covered clenched fists as if preparing for her attack. Since Ky's all for deceiving, she goes in for a roundhouse kick instead with one fast movement. Directed towards the shoulder since this isn't a real fight where knocking someone in the head is acceptable. Then straight back into her stance like a rubber-band. No pause though, as if that'll ever happen in the real world. She begins with the punches immediately after. A couple of throw-offs, so her dominant left can get a better hit. Now it's up to Ky to get her own swings in there.

[*]

"That push was your first move?"

I shrug. I'm not sure if it was a real 'move', but it has been so long since I've sparred with someone. There's been a lot going on as of late, what with Jins and dealing with injuries since the pregames, this is my first actual spar. Getting back into the game is going to be harder than I though since Vy's stayed ahead in the game due to her peacekeeper training. She's gotten further without me, but soon enough, I'll get back to where I need to be. That's the problem though. No one around will be as good as her, I'm sure, and she's going to be my best bet to get back into shape. So, I need to adopt my old saying and become ruthless again.

"Yeah. Maybe. Call it a warm up because I've been out of practice for so long. Your making the first move." I tell her and watch as she tries to get into a stance, but something just isn't flying with her. She pauses the entire game and mentions something about gear. With a shake of her head, she shouts after her. "Last time I used gear, it was with a game of moving targets with Matthew back when we first met. Only then, we used nothing more than just chest peices to protect ourselves. Nothing more than that."

Vy comes back with a bunch of gear, as she throws it one at a time to me. I catch them, placing them down, before catching the other one until I have all the gear she got. Apparently, she's afraid of hurting me, but maybe she's right. Getting hurt again, even in the slightest won't help. I, also, don't want to keep her out of the academy either, so we'll probably just be taking it easy today. Works for me.

"Now, I won't be tempted to go easy on ya." I make a heavy sighing noise to that ridiculous statement as if she would anyways.

"Thanks for the kind thoughts, but I can handle myself. Especially against the likes of you." I state, sarcasm dripping from my every word. It's meant to be teasing but serious at the same time. Before I know it, just as I stand up to get into position, Vy's making the first moves this time and comes in with a fake out almost immediately. Her foot connects with my shoulder, somewhere that's not protected and knocks me backwards, stumbling, but I catch my balance like a cat. I go to block the hits with easy, not forgeting how to do that.

Without even waiting, with a perfect opening, I come in with an uppercut towards Vy's chin and give off a slight laugh. I back up immediately waiting to see if it had hurt her or not, but I don't wait there, I dip down and swing my leg to kick her out from underneath her if she doesn't catch my movements in time.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

According to Kyanite this is all only a warmup. To Vy a spar alone is one. Nothing too drastic or damaging. Just to get the hearts beating and moves forming. The shove was the starter though. Which makes her curious if she should be concerned on what's to come. It brought them to the floor, and caused memories to stir up. Starting to feel like something more then a simple spar will be occurring. If it's one of them getting hurt, or both of them getting too close. To prevent any of this Vy goes to retrieve gear. It should lessen the blows and keep them from tumbling on top of each other and acting on it. Who knew sparring could be so difficult and complex.

While Vy's getting the gear, Kyanite mentions the last time she used such a thing. Whether it was on purpose or not it has her mind wandering elsewhere with Matthew being brought up. The two are together, which means that event might of led to lots more. Automatically that's what the blonde thinks of, and quickly shakes those thoughts off. They're only friends! It was only a drunken one time deal. She has to think of anything else. "No chest piece, just hands and feet to soften the hits." So she stays on the sparring track, and refuses to let her brain go anywhere else.

Now they're truly ready, and Vy doesn't feel the need to hold back. The comment over this doesn't make Kyanite as thrilled. Instead she replies with the conformation she can handle herself. Not that Vy didn't think she could. But after the whole Jins incident things have changed drastically. Holding fragile Ky in her arms after that creep got his hands on her, made the Brunette someone she wants to protect, not fight. That's too difficult to explain though. Making Vy only give a laugh in return. After all she can't let her opponent get too cocky. That's her job.

The kick was like a gun shot to start off the race. Fists fly at this point, and coordination wise the girls seem to be on the same level. They're both able to get in a couple of decent throws, while also blocking the majority of the other's. If it came down to pure strength things would probably be a lot different. Strategy and intelligence wise turns out to be an even match. Having eyes everywhere is impossible though. Watching both of the opponent's fists, while also planning your own. Some things get missed, and a common spot below Vy's jaw gets a hard impact. Now she's personally grateful she involved some gear, because bare knuckles would of had her head spinning.

Instead Vy's able to collect herself with a shake of her head. Unlike her, Ky moves back a foot to calculating the damage she gave. "That's more like it." After all it's much more powerful then that push. She rubs the sore area that may have a light bruise tomorrow. The whole stepping back was only another trick as Ky's hip quickly shifts to warn of a kick she's about to give. No, not a kick, a sweep. One of Vy's feet has a chance to make air, though the other one's not so lucky. She tumbles a great deal, facing the threat of meeting the floor until her legs find balance again. "Sly Ky." She rhymes with a laugh as she pulls herself together.

Time for the real deal. It has to happen, that's how it always goes down. Once the spar really begins, Vy's mindset completely changes. Not so much in this circumstance. That need to not cause actual pain is still plastered in her mind. Reacting quickly has to happen though. So she goes for the only option that doesn't cause damage; a tumble to the mats. Her hands grasps her opponent's shoulder as her leg sweeps from underneath. Letting go just in time to let gravity take the Brunette. Retrieving back seconds later incase she wants to return the lose of balance.

[*]

The spar is going to be fun already. Not only is Vy making the first moves now, she's even going so far as to not worry about hurting me intentionally. She's dong what she has to as a sparring partner without the outcome of that one first fight we did. No broken things hopefully, and I'll make sure to do the same. As with her first round of punches, I add in my own and notice how my speed hasn't suffered because she's unable to block my uppercut to her chin. I do have a twinge of remorse already because she's shaking off the pain immediately afterwards. Gloves or not, it still hurts no matter what and I'll apologize later. Right now, this spar is key to getting back into shape and so far, I'm not doing so bad.

A quick sweet to her leg has her leg flying upward, but somehow she's able to catch herself before she hits the mat and I assume it would have hurt if she had landed flat on her back. Good to see that she's also kept in shape, so I don't have to worry about her totally feigning being okay. A nickname is brought out and with a cheeky grin and a chin lift, I accepts it graciously. Nicknames make you feel like you belong and it brings people together, though, giving Vy a nickname is going to be hard. Vy is her nickname, but if my memory serves me correctly, I do remember one I gave her once.

"Why, thank you, Vyper. Though, usually, I do prefer Dynamite Kyanite. But, shortening it to Sly Ky is better. Less of a tongue twister." I say. The only thing wrong with what I say is that it brings back memories of that one night. When Vy and I had shared the kiss. I can't recall some of the night, but the major points I can't help but remember. Without needing to make myself forget that and get back into the spar, Vy's suddenly doing her own thing now and without paying attention for that split second has me paying for it.

Vy's moving as quick as ever and her hands touch me on my shoulder but I'm severly unprepared to react as her leg knocks mine out from under me. For a split second, my mind plays a dirty trick on me. Not only do I have that slight fear of falling, but in that instance, when I look to Vy, my mind changed the image of my attacker. It's not her anymore. It rapidly changes into that face that I've had nightmares about for weeks. That look in his eyes and the long dark hair that falls over his eyes. Somehow, that look is plastered in my mind.

"No!" I scream out in unison to my falling. I try to keep myself from falling hard on the mats, but my elbow gets the blunt force of the rubber mat, rubbing harshly against my skin. Shooting pain runs through my system in the form of a burning sensation and also eliciting that fight or flight responce. I don't even think at this point and I kick outward catching something hard. A grunt of pain can be heard, but my breaths are suddenly short and shallow as I hold onto my stinging arm. With slightly shaking fingers, I look up but see the look of absolute anger from Vy.

"I'm sorry..." Is my responce. I'm not sure why I happen to see his face in that one split moment, but I know I've just hurt one of my closest friends. "Vy..."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

The double strike from Kyanite was good, that's undeniable. Even with the gear the punch was hard, and the second attack nearly had Vy falling to the floor. Despite all the time off to recover it's clear the Brunette still has her game. That makes for a good career, and if anyone knows that it's Vy. She had to go five months without that hardcore training, and don't bother asking why it's not nine. It's obvious by this point. So clearly she has no reason to go easy on Ky. But there's still that nag inside of her preventing her from giving in her all. Simply because it's either giving her all or giving nothing. Giving her all would only result in a repeat of the first night they met. Leaving her option-less.

Saying that Kyanite was sly has her taking it as a nickname. Wasn't really meant that way, but it is catchy. In return she gives her own nickname to Vy, the guess of what her name was the first night they met. How ironic that it's also the one Mark gave her when he was attempting to figure out the nickname as well. Seems as though Ky's taken a liking to Sly Ky, though she prefers Dynamite. "And it's a little immature for you now, no? You shouldn't be blowing up anymore." Just because she feels like she has to hold back her strength doesn't mean she has to hold back her tongue.

With nothing left to do, Vy's movement goes into getting Kyanite on the ground. The look the Brunette gives her just before tumbling is unmistakable. It's true fear as if she was truly attacking. Just what she was trying to prevent. The lose of her grip on her shoulders is more of a reaction then a strategy. A pleading "No" ruptures through the room as Ky falls to the matt. A strategy to stay friendly completely backfiring. Vy's heart sinks as Kyanite does. What has she done? Instinctively regret sets in, something that's never occurred during a spar or anything for that matter.

Before Vy has a chance to respond, offer a hand or sympathy, the bottom of a shoe meets with her knee. The first night they've met is pretty much repeated. With that knee that's been continuously denied it's healing process getting the blow. Though it's completely recovered it hasn't lost it's tenderness, and possibly it never will. A sort of growl goes through her lung, attempted to be held back but making an appearance anyways. The pain runs through that area like a forest on fire, and instinctively both hands go down to sooth it. "Fracken bitch." Automatically flows from her. Not completely directed at Kyanite, though it might as well should be.

An immediate reaction is to fight back, and as soon as Vy's done comforting her knee a fist goes right up to do just that. Once her eyes fall on Kyanite her hand drops down to her side before an actually hit can be made. "Maybe sparring's not our thing. I've heard that I can be too rough with chicks." Sort of ironic given she's a female herself, and it was Kyanite that gave that painful blow, but that doesn't matter. Just as before a hand is offered to the Brunette, despite what just happened. Seems like nothing can ruin their close bound at this point. "Wanna just work out a little?" She offers with a chuckle. Clearly a spar shouldn't be an option.

[*]

Memories are flooding through my mind the moment everything happens in a flash. The moment her hands touch my shoulder, a memory pops up of Jins. One of the many times that he has touched me and brought me down only to give himself pleasure from that wave of fear that he always had wanted. I never understood him at all. Never could fully realize why he did things just to get me to have that highening of emotions that usually came out as instinctive fear. Sometimes, there's no holding back those small noises when your left with a fist flyingn toward your face or the fear of falling. That's what happened this time. That horrible thought of falling without knowing where you were going to land.

The moment my mind cleared is the moment when the pain ran through my arm, burning the skin from the friction. The clock stops, but our bodies don't. All sounds from around me seem to melt away for a moment until I hear the curse from Vy from what I had done. It's almost as painful as the burn on my arm that's bringing a glaze of tears wanting to form. Though, the wetness wanting to form is partly from this pain with hurts worse than most of the simple injuries I've gotten, it's also from that momentary lapse of cognitive impairment. My vision settles on her two hands trying to sooth out the impact that my foot had just gotten ahold of and as soon as she is looking at me, that anger is like an angry sea about to toss a ship and sink it.

At this point, I'm preparing for more pain like I've been used to and wait. Even going to far as to close my eyes just so I don't have to see the girl in front of me deliver the fist that is raised all too quickly to hit me. I don't budge, half way in shock but partly because I know I deserve it.

One.

Two...

Three...?

I take a much needed breath and stop at the number three in my head. No pain... nothing. Why not? It's not everday to meet someone who can keep their hands to theirselves when anger is so very much alive on their faces. The eyes tell a lot and from what I can play back in my mind, Vy was about to just let me have it.

But, she didn't?

Confusion sweeps over me and my facial express quickly, unable to keep my fingertips from shaking as I try to place a hand on the wound, but that only creates the stinging to occur even more. Her voice pulls me out of what could have happened with a simple explaination.

"Maybe sparring's not our thing. I've heard that I can be too rough with chicks." I have no heart to argue with her, but more so I'm not sure where my voice is now. Two more quick breaths and she's putting her hand down to me for me to take but I can't accept the help from someone that I just injured. It should be the other way around, clearly. So, I shake my head, but also, I feel as though my knees would wobble in the process. Instead, I play it off.

"I'm good. Just give me a minute. Gotta catch my breath." I tell her and instantly, my eyes are going to my arm to check the damages that I've incurred. It's not a fairly large area, but enough that my palm is able to cover the redness that surrounds the spot. "Damn..." whisper out.

"Wanna just work out a little?" Another offer comes. I am more curious if that'll be wise too, but it's better than letting this happen again. I give her a nod and use my own support to get up from the floor. I let my gaze wander down to her knee. "You okay, Vy? Sorry, I didn't mean to do that. Honest. It's was just a reaction to... I mean, I just. Agreed. Sparring isn't the best thing to do right now. Maybe later though, with more time." Is all I tell her and subtle hiss when I see her face fully. Already, the redness is giving off a small hue of a different color. My hand goes to her chin automatically.

"Yikes. Well, good thing for gear, right? Ready for that underground fight again?" I ask her, slightly uncomfortable with the marks I just gave her.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Violence has always been the answer for Vy. That's just how she's been raised. Especially when it comes to someone harming her, she has no remorse is returning the pain. It happens before she even realizes it, just as instinct always doe. This time though, with Kyanite being the one in her vision, all of that changes. The hard ass actually takes a pause to think. Quickly coming to the realization she's still unable to cause pain to the Brunette. Even if her knee still throbbing, she can't bring herself around to it. She doesn't want to. A gesture for help to her feet is given instead. No need to cause regret, and by this point she'd just rather not risk it.

The hand's not taken for some reason. Feeling the need to join Ky on her level, Vy bends down. The upset knee gives a loud crack in the process. It actually subsides the pain though, not that she couldn't tolerate it before. Discomfort is nothing new. Seems like Kyanite got a little damage herself as she rubs her ruffed up elbows. Mat burns can be no fun. Clearly today's not the day for sparring, or maybe Vy shouldn't be paired with friends. Just defiantly not today as the Brunette already needs to catch a hold of her breath. She obviously has some stuff she still needs to work out. Maybe they can get to that since they're original plan wasn't so great.

"Little scrapped up?" Vy comments, only barely touching the red skin as if to wash away the pain. A small grin comes across her cheeks as if to cheer Kyanite up. Soon enough the Brunette's returning back to her feet with on her own, and automatically Vy follows. For a second their eyes meet as the room stands still. So just a work out at this point? There's no objection though a straight forward answer isn't given.

Guilt seems to override Kyanite as she feels the need to apologize. Instinctive reaction, Vy can understand that. Even if it does still ache. No real harm done. An agreement finally arrives that now's not the time to spar. Though it may of just been a given after this event. Least they're on the same page. "Don't worry, poor thing's used to it." Vy jokes around since that very knee's been kicked countless of times. "Another time." Might as well return the agreement. For now just a work out, and maybe they can hang out like normal teenagers afterwards.

Before they have a chance to move onto their next activity Kyanite takes ahold of Vy's chin. Guess a mark's already starting to form by the sounds of it. How funny that she's so much like her brother in that aspect. Ironically she questions if Vy's ready for the underground ring. As if that has any comparison to now. When it comes to stranger, Vy's unable to be held back. Well obviously given the difference between now and when the girls first met. "Yeah, you wanna go?" Vy asks sarcastically. It's the middle of the day, and plus she's on Brooklyn duties. Only a joke. "So should we do a few sets or go pick up the rugrat?" This questions a little more serious though her voice is surprisingly chipper then usual. Whatever the Brunette's up for.

[*]

Is it just me being uncomfortable for the whole reason that I won't take the hand that's been offered to me? Or the fact that I had injured Vy? With a way to pass off the help without being rude to add to my faults, I beg her to give me a minute for a breath. In truth, I need to relax just enough. I need to catch my bearings and try to figure out why I just saw what I did. Why on earth, when I know he's locked away, that I still ended up seeing him. It isn't fair for Vy to get the wrong end of the deal when she didn't deserve it in the least.

She does the unthinkable by bending down to try to look me in the eye, though, I keep my gaze away from her. I know exactly what she's doing. She's trying to see why I'm not able to take her hand, so I purposely take extra large breaths in order to compensate my reasoning. Her voice jarrs me out of my thoughts enough that I look to her for once, my eyes seemingly connecting to hers for a mere second. She comments on the burn on my arm.

"Little scrapped up?"

A little scrapped up? Perhaps. Scarred more than anything because I can't figure out why on earth that just occured. Why, for some reason, I fabricated Jins' image in her place and feared for the worst when I expected pain. Surely, she must think of me to be weak now. Worse even, as delicate as a child being scared of a little storm. As I examine my arm, she brings her fingers to touch gently the spot near the heavy burn. Something about her touch does help, but I don't let it linger as I get up without assistance and turn my attention quickly to the mark on the bottom of her chin where I had hit her.

I can't help it though. Seeing the mark on her chin just happens. I can't understand why the need to apologize for things, but I do. Her responce is a little reassuring, but it does bring a small smile to my face.

"Yeah. Sure. Whenever your ready." I agree with her in order to keep what happened underwraps. Maybe, it'll just blow over after this. Vy's suggestion is nothing but a joke though as her voice comes out as nothing but sarcasm. It's only confirmed as she brings up something to do or going to pick up the rugrat. Perhaps, her second suggestion would be better considering that training might only make my mind linger longer on a topic best left alone.

"I think Brooklyn would like to have some Aunty Ky-ky time." I make up a relation for myself and Brooklyn, hoping that Vy won't mind. We've become pretty close as of late, and her daughter and I have become increasiningly close to each other. "So, rain check on the training? Maybe for a few days."

I give her a solid stare for a moment and let my eyes linger on her face then with a quick glance over her, I turn to pick up my stuff and fold my arms over my chest. "Come on. Brookie is waiting." I take the first steps away from her and head over to the door and wait as she follows.