The Hunter’s, Marauders, and Hammers enjoy the run up to the pre-wedding bash
Chapter 8 — Let’s dance — The Hunter’s, Marauders, and Hammers enjoy the run up to the pre-wedding bash
Claire and Hell Bright teleported Sym, Rose, Trixxie and the fairy companions to the Conspiracy Library receiver pentagram and when Trixxie had actually recovered from the shock of the spell being cast and the actual teleportation happening, Hell Bright said, “Welcome Trixxie to the Conspiracy Library, the one place you will probably find more information about a subject then the best scientists have access to if they had access to the entire world’s scientific research.”
“Did anyone hear that voice,” said a very shocked Trixxie.
Claire turned to Hell Bright and said, “Hell Bright would you mind not doing that until I’ve had chance to explain it to people.”
“Sorry Claire,” said Hell Bright and she stuck her tongue out at Claire.
“Sorry Trixxie, Hell Bright does that. Hell Bright is mentally mute, due to events in her past she doesn’t exactly speak very much, she is only just starting to come to terms with it. Last Savraday was the first time she had spoken since she was three and she is now sixteen almost seventeen. She normally speaks through a translator which I am one of a few, Ren is another as is Sandra at the moment, most of the time it freaks people out for the first few occasions which I guess it has done to you,” responded Claire to Trixxie’s earlier statement.
“Yeah somewhat,” Trixxie said.
“ The Conspiracy Library has over four million individual unique books and hundreds of thousands of hand written books and scrolls. Most are stored on computer, the only ones that aren’t are the ones in the Lab and in private collections, and most of those we can get access to as most of the people who use them come from within the conspiracy,” Claire said.
“That is a lot of books,” Sym said.
“Yes it is, but when we, the Vixens, go to the academy that’s when four million books comes into it’s own. How much do you know about the Academy?” Claire asked.
“Nothing, the first time I heard it mentioned was when I arrived here,” replied Trixxie as she picked up a book on xenozoology and flicked through it.
“Ok, what the Academy is, is a training school for the elite, those who go have been selected from the world’s young ghosts, and are thought by certain members of the Conspiracy to be able to handle the responsibility of fighting what the Conspiracy calls the evil, and from what work I’ve been able to do it’s the best description for it, is that they are very simply the closest thing you can get to pure evil. Michelle I think she’s Nabanian isn’t she Trixxie?” Claire asked.
“Yes, I think that’s where she originated from,” Trixxie replied.
“Naban is now controlled by one of the AAA rated corporations, that is itself controlled and run by one of these,” and Claire holds her PDA and shows Trixxie, Sym and Rose a drawing of the Splugorth, “and the one that runs Rotork Theaban is currently holding my mum Sam and she is being made to work as a maid/slave to one of its minions. What we will be doing at the Academy is learning, you spend five years, working on your own research work, projects and also learning how to fight these and other things. When we, me and Hell Bright leave, we both expect to be fully trained line walkers and more than able to fight these things, both with and with out the use of magic, and I expect to hold at least two if not more doctorate level qualifications, and I never finished high school either, I was expelled for hitting the leader of the bullies and breaking her nose,” Claire smile as she remembers that day, and then continues, “the one thing I wished I had know when I did, was that she was one of the leaders of a slaver ring operating in Suraban who happened to be holding Clare and Abbey at the time, her boyfriend went head to head with Nibs that evening here at the club.”
“You say your mum is,” Trixxie said and looked horrified at the thoughts of someone owning slaves and humans being traded and sold, “owned by someone.”
“Yeah, she was kidnapped just over two years ago, by the president of Naban, so she could become his concubine, except mum refused and so he made her one of his personal slaves. This is one of the reasons why the Conspiracy exists, is to protect Darra Von from becoming a living hell for the population and being used as a slave farm so their evil empires have a ready supply of slaves,” Claire then continued.
Rose asked, “Why doesn’t the population fight back?”
“Rose,” said Hell Bright, “The reason the population doesn’t know is that all they care for is where the next gadget is coming from, and most just don’t really care about the person standing next to them let alone the world as a whole, as long as they think themselves safe from being torn apart or eaten or killed because they looked at one of the ‘upper class’ in the wrong way who are we to disturb the status quo, and to put it bluntly the forces that the enemy has the population wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“Plus most of the intelligences hate each other with a passion, the Splugorth hate the now owners of Wacker Inc, and they hate all vampires with unbridled passion. They know the conspiracy exists and that we will fight then in a guerrilla war,” Claire said.
“And also because it wouldn’t be very good for business to bring in the necessary forces to invade and conquer this world, and it would also leave their other holdings open to attack,” continued Hell Bright.
“Once you’ve been given your pass card this place is open for you, and both me and Hell Bright would be more than willing to give you what help we can from the Academy,” said Claire.
“Where did you two disappear to yesterday evening?” asked Trixxie and as Trixxie spoke a flash happened and Sharra appeared over the teleport pentagram.
“Three of the casualties we found in the main throne room, had been drained of their blood and we realised that they may not make it if they waited and were brought back by road, so we took it upon ourselves to get them back to the medical facility as fast as we could, and the only way we were able to was to teleport them to the lab and have Ithian teleport them to the medical facility. I could have teleported them directly to the medical facility, but I don’t know it. The assault on Wacker HQ last week, what the population didn’t see was a reason the conspiracy exists and a very big problem,” replied Claire, “during the battle the Vixens were given the power of the Planet’s Dragon Defenders, we all turned it down flat, but as a residual of that joining I was given some special spells, one of which is Teleport with out error, the only problem is that I have to know the place I am teleporting from and too., another spell I was left with is this,” and Claire cast the True sight spell on Trixxie and Sharra. Hovering before the pair was Charrbrr and Vitanna. “Meet our fairy companions,” said Claire, another side effect of the final stages of the battle when we were forced to close a anomie in the mana fields. The Rift as it is called drew the fairies you see here and the ones that are companions of the rest of the Vixens, Clare, Abbey, Bill, and the sniper team from South Harbour.”
“Your kidding,” Sharra said.
“I think I may use this place a lot, just flicking through that book on xenozoology by Dr Zeus, and what you have said today, has provided me with enough incentive to view the world in a different light, some of the pictures he has of the animals are superb, but some of them I’m wondering if they actually exist here in Darra Von?” asked Trixxie.
“Talk to Walliballa, he runs zoo here at the Club,” replied Richard as he walked in carrying a couple of books of computer programming languages, “and before any of you say anything, we only keep specimens of the creatures not native to Darra Von.”
“Hi Richard,” said Claire.
“Hi, let me guess, Trixxie, I’ve just dumped into Duggie and he said, he hopes seeing this has peeked your interest in things different?” Richard said.
“Oh it has,” replied Trixxie.
“And mine,” said Rose, “I’ve been thinking about looking at what happened in the past, but not in regards of the conspiracy or what is written in the history texts but to the people.”
“I think you and me Rose will have long discussions and chats then, I’m passionate about archaeology and similar,” said Hell Bright, this time using her own voice.
“Oh yeah, I think so,” replied Rose.
“Medicals I think,” said Claire.
“True,” said Richard.
The group left the library and started to walk down towards the sub basement level 1 and the medical facility.
Sym asked Claire, “When did you know that you could cast spells?”
“When I became a Vixen a few weeks ago, around the same time I learnt about my tattoos,” replied Claire.
“How about you Hell Bright?” asked Sym
“About five years ago, but I was lucky, Jaboc had access to the facilities of the Conspiracy and so therefore I was able to read and learn a lot from the journals and books. When I met Claire for the first time, I could already cast, Fire ball, Invisibility, Force Bolt, and Armour of the Ages,” replied Hell Bright.
* * * * * *
One of the on duty Doctors walked into the room where Steven was laying on the bed pushing a wheel chair, Anna was sat on the edge of the bed laughing and chatting.
Wood-Sterne and Anna who said in reply to a question Steven had asked, “I don’t think the two units based here would have any problems you signing on to them. I know Paul Snr. is looking for members for the Hunters as well, me, Tony and Dominic have been asked if we want to join, I’m thinking favouring joining but I will wait until I have Tony’s and Dominic’s reply as I am their spotter.”
“Ok Steven, if your ready for the MRI scan I shall escort you to the facility where we can determine how much damage has been done,” the Doctor said.
“Ok,” replied Steven, “Will you be here when I get back Anna?”
“I’ll push you to the room,” replied Anna.
A smile spread across Steven’s face as he got out of bed and sat in the wheel chair, Anna then moved the glucose drip to the pole that was attached to the side of the wheel chair. Wood-Sterne then flew up to Steven’s shoulder height and stayed there.
The doctor moved to one side and let the wheel chair out and said, “turn right and follow me.” The doctor led them past the other patients windows, and at the end of the corridor they turned left and headed for the lifts. When they had arrived at the lifts the Doctor called the lift and said, “How you feeling Steven?”
“Weak,” replied Steven, “but also happy I’m no longer his pet. Can you tell me how the other four people are?”
“Yeah, I know one didn’t make it,” replied the doctor.
“I think the plan is to give the person a decent burial in a few days,” replied Anna.
“I want to be there for that, I did get to know the others pretty well over the period they were there,” Steven said.
“Yeah I don’t see why you shouldn’t be there,” replied the doctor, “I think the plan is to have it after the weekend is over.”
“Oh, what’s happening over the weekend then?” Steven asked.
“A wedding is happening up at Gangrel command on Sumdar and the pre wedding party is happening tomorrow evening,” Anna said, “and I think most of tomorrow is the lead up, to the party tomorrow night.”
* * * * * *
After the MRI scan had been finished and the consultant had the results, he said, “I will pop in and talk to you about what the scans show later today, but I don’t want you going to far from the facility for a while. I will leave you the capable hands of your female friend here.”
“Thank you doctor,” Steven said.
As Anna pushed Steven, who like before when Anna had pushed him to the MRI Wood-Sterne again flew beside the shoulder of Steven, along with the doctor, out of the lift she turned left and started to walk back towards Steven’s room. Paul Snr, along with Rose, Sym, Claire, Hell Bright and Trixxie, and the two fairy companions, joined the pair as they were walking from the direction of the garage.
Paul Snr. said to the Doctor, “Rather than crowd Steven’s room is it possible for us to go and sit outside on the grass?”
“I don’t see why not,” replied the doctor.
Anna realised that she hadn’t actually been any where other than Steven’s room all day and she wanted to clarify a couple of things with Paul Snr. which had been bugging her since she had been asked if the sniper team wanted to join the Hunters. The group turned and headed for the ramp up to the surface via the garage. When the group had reached the open area surrounding the Club, Paul Snr. led the group and offered to push the wheel chair up the large bank that surrounded the sides and back of the club. When the group had reached the top they stopped and sat down and enjoyed the sun as it shone through some high thin clouds. When the group had reached the top Claire, and Hell Bright along with, Charrbrr and Vitanni and Wood-Sterne all lay on the grass and closed their eyes. Trixxie retrieved her shades from a small pouch that hang on the opposite side to the Gangrel Pouch. Sym, Rose just lent back and soak up the warm sun’s rays.
Paul asked Steven, “I’ve already spoke to the doctor, and read the short file Anna, Tony and Dominic wrote on you after the human Intel operation. Me, Clare and Abbey have spoken about this, with what’s happened over the past few weeks, would you be interested in joining The Hunters?”
“What do the Hunters do?” asked Steven.
“What do they do,” replied Paul Snr., “they are an elite team providing a specialist force to an organisation called the conspiracy, which protects the world from people like his lordship and those who created him.”
Anna then said, “The Hunters are also an elite force within the Gangrels hence me and Trixxie being present at the operation yesterday. You did express an interest in joining last time we chatted, if you remember.”
“And if your worried about things like your current status of being in the wheel chair and not being up to the same level of fitness as every one else, I’ve already chatted to the doctor about assisting in your physiotherapy when you are back on your feet, and the unit does need someone who is willing to learn other skills rather than the skills that we already have in abundance which are mainly close quarters fighting,” Paul Snr. said.
“What other skills you looking at?” Steven and Anna asked.
“Communications, hacking, breaking and entering to name a few of the skills I see the Hunters needing,” replied Paul Snr.
“My next question may seem a bit personal, but I want to find my dad, we were separated on the day Wacker started the war and I’ve not been able to find him since and I’ve looked,” asked Steven.
“That’s easy to organise,” replied Paul Snr., “Digital Systems, the company I use to work for before coming here full time is placing missing people adds on the tele and on bill boards around the area, where the refugees are housed.”
“I’m interested, but I’m a bit stuck at the moment,” Steven said.
“That’s not a problem, I’m seeing the consultant about the results of the MRI scan when he’s done the other three and very likely to be involved in the Phsyio of all four as I am about to start teaching the Hunters the Fighting Arts of the Black Karzzar, and its excellent at getting people fit and returning people’s strength, plus I think you will be doing a lot of work in the pool and gym as well,” said Paul Snr.
“That will be interesting,” said Trixxie.
“Oh, why?” asked Paul Snr.
“Duggie has offered to teach the Marauders and Hammers the Way of the Samutai,” replied Trixxie.
“Duggie knows the Way of the Samutai. Oh this is going to be fun I think,” said Paul.
“How come?” asked Rose.
“Back before the Samutai were destroyed the Black Karzzar and the Samutai warrior monks were rivals, we would join forces where necessary, but the name calling and practical jokes the two groups would play could be interesting, from what I was told by my master,” replied Paul.
“What practical jokes you talking about Karzzar,” said Duggie as he, Sharra and Ithian walked up the bank towards the group.
“Oh the odd bucket on head and releasing a silk spider into a room before the Samutai who was sleeping there arrived back,” said Paul.
“Well can we put a truce on those please Paul?” asked Duggie.
“I have no problem with that,” said Paul, “the masters from what I was told, never got involved in the practical jokes, it was always the students and monks.”
“Very true the master never did, and I was a master, it shows we never did, and you were trained after the Samutai were destroyed,” replied Duggie, “Well Paul if your up for learning the arts of the Samutai, I’m sure as hell up for learning the arts of the Black.”
“Yeah, I’m always up for learning more,” said Paul.
“After the weekend, I’m going to be going back to Jarrzar to gather the library and treasure trove stored there, which will be stored here for emergencies,” Duggie said.
“As I want to organise a field trip to Azar and show the Hunters my home and also show them the Black Karzzar temple my master trained at, why not come with us and as the plan was to travel to Echo Tech City for the Academy Reception Ball, and as you are automatically classified as elite by the fact you are who you are, and the invite to the Ball is to all elite,” said Paul Snr..
“Yeah, sounds like fun. Trixxie you ready to start learning?” Duggie asked.
“Yeah,” replied Trixxie.
“And the same question to you two?” Sharra asked.
Both Sym and Rose smiled big beaming smiles, and the three got up and followed Duggie and Sharra back to towards the Club.
“Ithian how does the training toy work?” Claire asked.
“They sense if someone can channel mana and absorb a very small amount and use that to power the transformations?” Ithian replied, “Why the questions on how the toy works.”
“The reason is I passed Bill mine and when he was holding it changed shape a couple of times,” Claire replied.
“That is interesting,” Ithian said.
“What you guys talking about?” Steven asked.
Paul turned and saw Anna had her hand and lower arm on the arm rest of the wheel chair, “Shall we go inside and we’ll show you,” said Paul.
“Ok,” said Steven, and the group stood and Charrbrr and Vitanna both took to the air and Wood Sterne flew just in front of Anna, just behind Steven’s head.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you Paul, the work you were doing on Sym, Rose and Gareath, would you do similar to me, Tony and Dominic?” Anna asked.
“That offer is open to all elite, but my rules apply of no more than six,” replied Paul.
The group walked along the top of the mound until they came to a small house that was sited in a depression, the group walked down and Paul opened the door to let everyone in to the small house. Inside was a living room come kitchen and sat on one of the arm chairs was a creature that looked like a man ape.
“Hi Zeus,” said Paul Snr.
“Oh hi Paul,” replied Zeus
“When Gareath joined the Hunters I told him he would be on a steep learning curve, he at the time didn’t know how steep,” said Paul, “Ithian can you teleport us to my Parlour?”
“Yeah, no problem,” replied Ithian.
Suddenly the group including Steven was in the Paul’s Tattoo Parlour on the third floor or the north wing.
Steven and Anna said, “What just happened?”
Steven continued, “One second we were in a living room with a man ape, and the next we are here a room with two dentist chairs.”
“Yes, allow me, Zeus, the man ape as you called him, and may I say he would laugh if you said it to his face, is a member of a race called the Kittani, and what just happened is that I teleported us here with what is called magick,” Ithian said.
“Steven do you remember yesterday in the main room, me and Hell Bright were bending down over the bodies of the three people and we vanished?” Claire asked.
“Yes I do,” replied Steven.
“That was magick and what I was talking to Ithian about when we were outside was these,” and Claire got out her training toy and showed it to Steven and as it lay on her open hand it changed shaped from a oblong to a caltrop.
“Steep learning curve,” said Steven, “its almost vertical.”
“Arh, true,” said Paul Snr., “but you still interested?”
“I guess yes, I guess if you didn’t trust me then you wouldn’t have asked or shown me,” said Steven.
Ithian then said, “I think we shall leave you three to chat,” and then Claire, Hell Bright and Ithian disappeared.
“And I think you should be getting back to the medical facility Steven,” said Paul.
“Yeah, I think so, I wouldn’t mind seeing how the other three are,” said Steven, and Anna, Paul and Steven walked back to the medical facility via the canteen where they bumped into Tony and Dominic, both of their pixie companions smiled as Anna and Paul walked past, just as they were about to head towards the net café on the second floor.
As they, Tony and Dominic, passed Anna, Steven and Paul, Dominic said to Tony, “I’ve not seen Anna so happy in quite a while.”
“That’s very true nor have I,” replied Tony.
When the three had arrived back at the medical facility, the female member of the group was being pushed back to her room, she was still very groggey from the sedatives and the blood loss, but she smiled when she saw Steven, who reached his hand out and squeezed her hand and said, “We’re safe, these people will look after you as they are doing so now.”
The Consultant was stood at the nurses station talking to the three nurses and doctor on duty, “I want the three youths who suffered from blood lose to be maintained on the blood drip until they had a least eight pints run through their systems and then I want them to be maintained on the glucose drips for at least a full week.” He then turned as if he was about to leave and saw Paul, Steven and Anna walking down the corridor, “arh Steven good, afternoon Paul, miss.”
“Afternoon doctor,” replied Paul, “Can I take it the group have had the scans done?”
“You can, and yes Doctor Johnstone here has told me that you are interested in assisting in the physiotherapy when the four are back on their feet,” Doctor Hill replied, “Would you walk with me whilst I return to my office.”
“No problem,” said Paul, “Just in case I don’t see you later Anna, Nibs and the Vixens are organising a work out/fight night training session for tomorrow afternoon from about twelve, and if the medical staff ok it, you might as well come along and watch too Steven, it will be in the Gym opposite the swimming pool.”
“Ok, see you soon,” replied Anna.
And Steven said, “Thanks for the offer, I’ll let you know my answer in a couple of days.”
“No hurry, young man,” said Paul Snr. and he smiled at Steven and Anna as he turned and walked with the Doctor Hill.
“Nurse, how are the other three?” Steven asked.
“They are all still very groggey from the effects of the sedative and the blood loss,” replied the nurse.
“I guess they ain’t up for visitors then?” asked Steven.
“Not really, maybe tomorrow though,” the Nurse replied, “what do you want for dinner the menu is in your room, buzz us when you’ve chosen.”
“Thanks,” replied Steven.
* * * * * *
Doctor Hill said, as he and Paul Snr. walked towards the Doctor’s office, “Can I ask how much do you know about Steven’s past?”
“Nothing why?” replied Paul Snr.
“Oh, as standard we do a complete workup on patients and as a part of that is to check DNA to see if he’s got a genetic disorder that could cause complications during treatment. His DNA work up is strange, it not the normal genetic signature,” Doctor Hill replied.
“Now that is interesting,” said Paul Snr. deep in thought, “Have you got a couple of the results?”
“Yes I have I’ve kept them in my office,” Doctor Hill said, “I’ve placed my genetic structure on his charts, just so its there.”
“Good,” replied Paul Snr.
Doctor Hill opened the door to his office, which was fifteen metres by fifteen metres with a five metre long desk in the middle of the room, but only a third of the way out from the rear wall. Along the left hand wall was a large ten metre long light box and along the opposite wall were ten four draw filing cabinets above then was a large painting. He went to his desk and opened the second draw on the right hand side and removed a file and opened it and retrieved a copy of the genetic workup results.
He passed them to Paul Snr. who had taken out his PDU and logged on to the Conspiracy intelligence network and he had started to search for the Genetic finger prints stored on the servers. Paul Snr. also opened a channel to Nicolai and Jane, and said, “Nicolai, Jane, Paul, can you come to Doctor Hill’s office I need to see you about a patient in the medical facility.”
“Paul, Jane, no problem me and Nicolai will be there in a few minutes,” Jane said.
“Thanks,” Paul said, “That aside, what about the MRI scan results, what’s your diagnosis and treatment advice?”
“Standard treatment for someone who has massive muscle loss and destruction due to starvation, a slow and steady rebuild of the muscles, starting with his hands and arms, then working onto his feet and legs, then just general rebuild of the rest of the muscles. You said you were interested in assisting in the physiotherapy of the four?” Doctor Hill asked.
“Yes I am,” replied Paul Snr..
“What would be doing with them?” Doctor Hill asked.
“Next week I’m about to start teaching a group of young adults the Fighting Arts of the Black Karzzar, and it would be working with katars and similar for a long while, the other’s I’m teaching would probably progress onto true combat long before I would even think of letting those four start,” Paul Snr replied.
“As long as you don’t work them to hard with the katars I don’t see any problem with it,” Doctor Hill said.
Jane and Nicolai stopped outside and knocked on Doctor Hills office door, Doctor Hill said, “Come in.”
When Jane and Nicolai had walked in and closed the door Paul Snr. said, “You know we brought back Steven from the policing action yesterday?”
“Yeah,” replied Nicolai as he and Jane took a seat.
“Doctor Hill would you tell Jane and Nicolai what you told me?” Paul Snr. asked.
“No problem,” replied Doctor Hill and told Jane and Nicolai exactly what he had told Paul Snr.
When he had finished Paul Snr. said, “I’m searching the Conspiracy intelligence files for the Genetic finger prints we have of the major races.”
Nicolai asked, “Doctor have you got the results on computer as when Paul finds the files the computers can so a similarity search on the results.”
“Yes I have, its stored on my personal computer rather than the main server,” Doctor Hill replied.
Nicolai got up and walked to the computer that was built into the desk, and logged into his own personal area of the conspiracy computer system and copied the file to there.
After a couple of minutes Paul Snr. said, “Got the files, they are stored in the directory t:\ConpsiracyRaceFilesGenetics.”
“Thanks Paul,” replied Nicolai, who then opened the conspiracy database program and loaded the genetic results into the program and opened and loaded the genetic data files. Nicolai then ran a comparison search on the files and after scanning over two thousand entries it had located one that closely matched the sample. Nicolai then said to the gathered, “its not a perfect match, but close enough for the data base to throw it up as a possible, it looks like he’s related to a New Navy Titan.”
Jane got up and looked at the screen upside down and said, “It’s a 70% match, I wonder what the other 30% is from?”
“Hang on,” said Paul Snr., “Doctor can we remove the files concerning Steven from you, other than the ones you need to treat him.”
“Yeah, no worries. Can I ask that you keep me up to speed on what you find and if it may effect how we treat him?” Doctor Hill asked.
“Yes we will,” said Jane.
Nicolai then logged off and took the paper copy and said, “Good day to you doctor.”
“Yes and good luck in your search,” Doctor Hill replied as Nicolai, Jane and Paul Snr. left his office and walked back to the main club.
* * * * * *
Frodar — 8th Ebinar
Clare and Abbey had both woken, Clare looked at her PDA and saw is read, 08:15BN, and said to Abbey, “Fight night tonight hun.”
“That should be interesting, us two, the Vixens, Paul, and Richard,” replied Abbey and lent over and retrieved the joint she had been started last night before she and Clare had gone to bed. As the girls lent for the two joints, Arrick and Gribbloath both woke and sat up and smiled at the partners.
After close on another hour of fun in bed after Abbey had finished her joint, the pair got out of bed and as had become their morning ritual they ran through the calanethics routines Abbey had devised for the pair. “I’ll say this, your getting better hun.” Sat on the end of the bed was Gribbloath and Arrick who smiled as the pair completed the work out.
“I’m beginning to feel the effects now, the movement arcs I’m gaining are impressive,” Clare replied as the pair got dressed.
“You know what hun, today’s training session as both of us now have the same tattoos, you what to see how we match up against Jum and Wong?” Abbey asked
“Yeah why not, lets see how good we have got over the last couple of weeks. The last pairs combat even though it was a draw, you know Nibs and Jum both said we would have beaten them if we had been the same as them,” Clare replied.
“Yeah I know,” Abbey said, as the four partners left the apartment and headed for the canteen and breakfast.
When they had arrived in the canteen they saw Rose, Sym and Anna, sat eating breakfast. Wood Sterne was sat on the table reading Anna’s PDU, also sat with the three was Charrbrr, Deedban, Blackie and Pixie. Walking out of the end of the food run was Paul and Claire closely followed by Nibs, Sandra and Daraus.
The pair then heard Gareath’s voice behind then calling, “Clare, Abbey, hang on,” and when he had caught up, he said, “God you two move fast, I saw you descending the ramp from the second to the first floor.”
“Sorry we didn’t hear you call until just then,” Abbey said.
“That’s because I didn’t until now,” Gareath replied.
The group gathered a full breakfast and headed to where the rest of the guys where sitting and joined them.
When they had sat down, Nibs said, “You know this evening is an Up and Coming Fight Night?”
“Yeah,” everyone said.
“Jaboc has left the specifics of the program in my hands, and I was thinking, Clare, Abbey, Claire and Hell Bright up first, for the open challenge section, winner stays on, if the punter wins, then they face, either Abs, Tina, Paul or Ren. If anyone needs a break then rotate Paul, Ren and the twins in. Then at about 10:30AN me, Sandra, Jum and Wong go head to head normal rules apply get hit you leave the circle. Then Richard and Kev have said they will be up for a fight, and after them, a seven way partner fight. Following that Jane and Sarah have said they will go head to head and to close the evening, me, Jum and Wong weapons fight at about quarter full speed,” Nibs said, “the evening program is open to change if people want to step up and give a display.”
Trixxie, Duggie and the young ones all walked in laughing at something one of them had said, they got themselves some breakfast and walked over to the table where Duggie asked, “Are the seats taken?”
“No Duggie, we were just talking about this evening’s fight night program,” Nibs said.
“Sounds like its going to be a good evening, who’s actually coming to the party cause ain’t that also happening tonight?” asked Anna.
“From what I’ve been told, the entire festie crew and young ones are coming, Jaboc has said they can use the guest rooms on the ground floor to stay in until Sumdar when everyone goes to command for the wedding ceremony, Dark Mists, Tybias’ raiders, and which ever Gangrels want to come, from what I’ve heard a few members from SD unit nine are planning on coming, and I think Hinnita and James are also coming with a few members of the Drum circle as well and even though I’ve not organised it with them, I hope they will play during the fights,” Nibs said, “you all know about the sparring session in a few hours in the Gym?”
“Yeah,” they all said.
Anna then asked, “Would it be alright if I brought Steven along to it, he knows about the conspiracy as he heard a few of us talking about the Magickal training toys and he also got teleported to the tattoo parlour as well.”
“I don’t see why not,” said Nibs, “I popped in to see him yesterday evening and he seemed to be doing pretty well.”
“I’m wondering how the others are doing,” said Anna.
“Ok, I was thinking about calling in and seeing them later today and seeing if they wanted anything to make their stay’s better, as I’m I right in saying that they are likely to be here for quite a while Anna?” Sandra asked.
“No need hun, I asked the nurses to ask the Doctor treating them to contact me, as I think if they are up for it letting them enjoy the party,” said Nibs.
“I think so,” Anna replied.
“Yes and before I forget and Gangrels who are not involved directly in the Fight night, Jaboc has asked that you become hidden security for the evening, which means be a presence on the ground and make sure the punters are having a good time and keep your eyes open for trouble or conflicts, so they can be dealt with before they get out of hand,” Nibs said.
As the table broke up after breakfast had been finished and the dirties had been cleaned away. Trixxie, Sym, Rose, Claire, Paul, Duggie, the young ones and fairy companions headed for the apartments at the front of the club grounds via the sub-surface road.
All the young ones looked incredibly happy as the group walked down the road, and as they were passed by an electric vehicle coming from the club, Brain called, “Good morning Duggie and people.”
Duggie and the young ones called out at the disappearing vehicle, “Good morning Brain.”
Duggie then said, “I may join the sparring session, it’s been a long while since I went head to head with a target other than the times when I’ve had to because they wanted to hurt me or people I call friends.”
* * * * * *
When the group arrived at the apartment parking area, everyone walked up the ramp and found the crew had started to paint the living room and was also continue to paint the small bedroom.
Brain walked out and said, “What colour do you want the living room and what do you want done with the doors?”
“Living room light blue ceiling, and greenie white on the walls, bathroom leave it as is, doors, leave as is,” Duggie replied.
The group left the painters to the painting and walked outside and saw a delivery van from Telean Landscapes and Buildings had pulled up and were offloading garden chairs and a few tables along with some flower pots and other garden items. The group walked over towards where the garden chairs and tables had been placed and sat down.
Duggie asked Claire, “Any idea when the sparring session is planned to start?”
“Probably around 12:00BN,” replied Paul. “we’ll head back to the Club at about 11:00ish to get ready as we all wear Black Light for the session, as it saves on injuries.”
“What time did dad finish with you last night Trixxie?” asked Claire.
“About 10:30AN, and that was after a good hour of both the Hammers and Marauders running through some basic Karies with Duggie, most of it was us discussing various aspects of magic and Duggie showing me some of the things he can do, and they are impressive to say the least,” Trixxie replied.
“Yeah you made up your mind on what area you want to specialise in Trixxie?” Duggie said.
“I think to start, just general magic, and I may specialise at some point later,” Trixxie replied, “it’s a lot to take in.”
“How about you Sym?” Duggie asked.
“I think the same, but from what Sharra was talking about yesterday evening, I think I may want to head into defensive magick and similar, as the firepower we carry makes offensive magick not exactly useful,” Sym replied, “How about you, what area are you heading towards?”
“Personal support magick with limited offensive and some defensive works as well,” Claire replied, “Hell bright is specialising in offensive magick that I do know.”
After a couple of hours of chatting about various subjects Paul said, “I think we should head back to get ready for the session.”
When the group arrived in the armoury, all the fairy companions headed for the railing around the ramp to sub-basement two’s changing area, they found all the Vixens, Hunters, seven members of the Marauders, eight members of the Hammers were all getting ready for the sparring session. It looked like all the conspiracy adult members were also present laughing and joking with people, even Tony and Dominic were changing, the only member not present was Anna.
Anna along with Wood-Sterne walked in about ten minutes later pushing Steven in his wheel chair, the glucose drip hung from the pole located on the back of the wheel chair and said, “I think I had better get ready myself.”
Steven looked around the armoury and he saw 44 people in various states of readiness, and no one seemed to care that the females were undressing with the males. Lent against some rails that surrounded the sides and back of a ramp that led to Sub Basement level 2 was Paul and Duggie chatting to a couple of adults, in Duggie’s arms was a small lad, Steven estimated to be no older than 3 maybe 4 and sat on the floor was a couple more young people both female.
Paul looked over and saw Steven and said to Duggie, “Shall we make out way with Steven, to the Gym, as he looks kind of shocked?”
“Yeah, lets head for the gym before he has a heart attack,” replied Duggie and along with Paul and the three young ones headed towards Steven.
Paul said to Steven when the five had arrived, “You ready to begin learning what it means to be in the know about the things we told you yesterday, plus I want to ask you a few questions that should hopefully clear up a few things about your past and I’ll explain some of the results discovered about you?”
“Yes, I think so. I never realised there were going to be so many people involved in the session,” replied Steven.
“Yeah I know, fifteen members of the Hammers and Marauders are also going to be involved in the session as Duggie thought it would be a good education for them to watch some experienced fighters practice, plus it will also give us, both a chance to see what level of training the units have. Me and Duggie have decided two of us should teach the Hunters, Hammers and Marauders rather then me teach The Hunters the arts of the black and Duggie teach the Hammers and Marauders the arts of the Samutai,” said Paul. Just then all the eighteen fairy and Pixie companions joined the Duggie and Paul up and walked and flew with them.
“And my three are here because I have no one available to look after them and I want them to learn and watch as I will also be teaching them at some point in the future,” said Duggie, “let me introduce Damien my youngest, Beatrice the middle one of the three, and Hemma the oldest, Claire and Bill will be along in a bit when they are ready,” said Duggie.
“Ok,” said Steven and thought, ‘I wonder what he means by I’ll explain what the results we discovered.’
Anna looked over and saw Paul pushing Steven and smiled, she called after the group as they started to walk towards the Gym, “Thanks Paul Snr.”
“No worries,” called Paul Snr. back.
As the group walked out of the armoury and across the Garage Paul asked Steven, “How much do you know about your past?”
“Not much. I never knew my mum. I’ve been living with dad since my earliest memories,” replied Steven.
“The next question may seen a bit personal but I’ll explain the results and what me, Jane and Nicolai think happened in your past. Do you know who your mum was and how much do you know about your dad’s past?”
“Not much at all, dad never talked about mum or his past,” replied Steven, “Can I ask what was going on back there?”
“When we spar and practice, everyone wears black light armour to protect against injuries. Me and Duggie relay on our natural toughness and the sheer fact we also posses magickal tattoos that produce a Magickal armour,” replied Paul Snr.
“You said you would tell me the results of the tests?” asked Steven.
“Yes I did, as standard the medical staff do a complete work up, which includes a complete DNA run down, from the work up it looks like your dad or mum was from an alternative Darra Von, and it is possible, and we are still checking the other half may have been a Elf. We didn’t know that until the consultant told me, Jane and Nicolai yesterday,” Paul Snr. replied.
“Bloody hell,” said Steven, “Do you know what race the other was?”
“The work up shows 70% of your genetic structure is that of a Sea Titan, which on the alternative Darra Von were super human, but for some unknown reason the abilities of the Sea Titan don’t kick in until around late teens, early twenties generally at the end of puberty,” replied Paul Snr., “so it looks like you are conspiracy after all, whether you like it or not,” said Paul Snr.
“How come the conspiracy has this information about the genetics,” asked Duggie.
“When ever we meet a new race or sub race, we do our best to gain a sample of genetic material from them and it gets added to the database after it has been sequenced by the scientists in Echo Tech City, it makes sure that if any one comes to us for medical treatment we can provide the best possible treatments with out prying into their past, as we understand that some like to remain anonymous to all, including us, we just like to know where they are so we can let the specialist forces know, so that they don’t go and hassle them, and it also allows us to know what specialist resources may become available if the shit hits the fan,” said Paul Snr.
As the six friends approached the door leading to the Gym Duggie asked Paul, “I take it, it don’t matter who fights who?”
“No it don’t,” replied Paul Snr. “I know the Gym has Six practice rings and a large mat area for training.”
“The first time Gareath watched a full practice session, he was seriously scared, as he saw Nibs, Jum, Sandra and Tina fight at full speed, which for those four is twenty moves a second, both Tina and Sandra got hit and as the rules say, you get hit you leave the circle, when they had, Jum and Nibs both went to weapons and kicked it up a level, I think Gareath said, ‘what are they trying to do, kill each other.’ Which is was pretty close to what was being shown,” said Paul Snr..
”You said the kicked it up a level, how fast where they going then?” asked Steven.
“Forty to fifty moves a second. Wong is also capable of similar speed, and a few of us think that within the next few months, Sandra, Tina and Abs will also be going at similar speeds,” replied Paul Snr..
“Bloody hell, your kidding?” stated Duggie somewhat shocked.
“No we ain’t,” replied Paul as the group approached the gym door, “I may challenge Nibs to go at full speed today as I’m not sure about something, I’m wondering if the speed varies depending on who they are fighting.”
Duggie opened the door to the Gym and everyone entered, after they had, he asked, “In what way variable?”
“I mean can Nibs go at full speed against me or is maximum speed only available when facing another Adept variable,” Paul Snr. replied.
“Do you think its wise, do you think you can handle the damage Nibs could cause you,” Duggie said, “I know Undead Slayers who could handle them selves against intelligences, but facing some thing that could hit you forty or fifty times in a second, you sure you can withstand that type of damage.”
“Yeah, I have 47 Magical tattoos on me and combined with the fact I activate both the armour and invulnerability tattoos jumps my ability to withstand damage massively,” Paul Snr. replied.
When the group entered the gym they saw it had been laid out with six 15metre across octagons, a large 40metre octagon and a large mat area at the eastern end of the Gym also fixed to the wall was a Garbit hoop and court was painted into the floor, the western end was a lot of fitness and strength machines, the eastern wall also had a seating area that extended from the wall, the group headed for the seating area when Damien, Hemma and Beatrice all sat on the lowest rack and Paul parked Steven next to the seating area and both he and Duggie walked to two separate rings and started to go through their individual warm up katars. All the fairy and pixie companions headed for the rail at the top of the seating rack.
Quite soon the rest of the people from the armoury arrived and walked in and headed towards the seating area.
Jane, Sym and Rose all headed for the mat zone, Nibs, Wong, Jum, Abs and Tina all started to warm up in big 40 metre ring, Sandra, Clare, Abbey and Gareath all went to another ring, Nicolai, and Richard started to warm up Claire, Paul, Hell Bright and Ren went and started to do the same as most of the other fighters warmed up.
Gary walked up to Lara, Dean and Michelle and said, “Last ring shall we?”
“Yeah,” Lara said, and both Dean and Michelle nodded in agreement,
The rest of the people headed for the seating, and sat down, Bill walked to the seats just behind where Hemma, Beatrice and Damien were and sat down. Jane looked over and called, “Bill come here, I want to ask you something.”
Bill replied, “Ok Jane,” and got up and walked towards her.
When he had arrived, Jane asked, “How much street fighting have you actually done, as this is your first time of actually practicing with us, ain’t it.”
When Paul Snr. had finished he walked over to where Duggie was practicing and asked, “Black Karzzar against Samutai?”
“Done,” replied Duggie, “Let’s dance Paul,” and they both activated their Knight in armour tattoos.
All of the Marauders and Hammers had taken up the front couple of seating runs started to watch the fight between Paul Snr and Duggie closely as they knew they would be learning these fighting arts from early next week.
Paul Snr. span his right heel around in a fast spin with enough power behind it to break if not remove a normal human’s head, Duggie blocked the attack with his left forearm and then launched a back hand fist attack against Paul Snr. head an which Paul Snr ducked under as he brought his leg back and then he executed a low spin kick to remove Duggie’s knees. Duggie blocked the attack with his calf and then hopped back on the leg that had just blocked and went to snap kick Paul Snr.’s supporting leg but Paul had already transferred his weight back to his other leg and went to kick Duggie in the gut area.
Duggie said as he used both his hands to catch the kick, “Mistake Paul,” and he then whipped his left leg up in a spin move and caught Paul around the back of the head as he span down the caught leg, this sent Paul Snr. sprawling across the ring.
When Paul Snr. stopped he said, “Nice counter, never saw it.”
Most of the Hammers and Marauders clapped at the move, but then Paul Snr. flew at Duggie targeting Duggie’s legs, but stopped short and went into a forward roll and brought both his fists into a dual strike against Duggie’s gut which forced him to double up and also back which forced him to land on Paul Snr.’s back which Paul Snr. twisted to a standing position. He then went to axe kick Duggie, by the time Paul Snr. had stood Duggie was already half way through getting back to his feet and as he was flicking himself to the standing position Duggie executed a bridge onto both his hands and brought his legs and tops of his feet in to strike at Paul Snr.’s head, as the spin move was executed he pivoted to his left arm and was back standing and brought his right shin around in a spin kick which Paul Snr. blocked.
Standing around the ring was everyone else looking at the display of power and skill in awe, Jane had stopped her class and had the three young ones watching, Bill stood there with his mouth open as he watch his dad, fight effectively at full power against an Paul Snr.. Hemma, and Beatrice had covered their eyes as Paul Snr. launched kick after kick, punch after punch at their dad, most normal humans would have been badly injured after the first kick, even if they had been able to block it, Damien just looked on and cheered as dad blocked the attacks and as Paul Snr. was sent flying, and booed Paul Snr. as he sent dad onto the mat. After a good half an hour of going at each other, the pair separated and both bowed deeply to each other and then embraced like friends. The audience stood and sat clapped and both the Hammers and Marauders cheered the display of fighting skill.
Duggie turned to the two units and said, “That ladies and gentlemen is what the two of us will be teaching you, the Black Karzzar as displayed by Paul Snr. is very much a defensive fighting art, the Samutai as that is the way I fight, is an offensive methodology.”
“I think the two of us are going to take a break for a while, and say Trixxie, David this ring, fight until the first one lands an effective blow,” said Paul Snr., “and don’t think your going to get away with it either, Clare, Abbey, Gareath.”
When Nibs had finished she walked over to where Duggie and Paul Snr. were sat and sat beside them and asked, “Would you two be up for a display at tonight’s fight night, lets just say that was incredible to watch.”
“Thank you Nibs,” replied Duggie, “I’m up for it if you are Paul Snr..”
“Yeah why not,” replied Paul Snr., “It would be a good time to display the lost arts of the Karzzar and the Samutai. Nibs at some point, I want to fight you, but the difference being I want you to push yourself to maximum as I want to see if a theory I have is right.”
“What’s the theory your testing?” asked Nibs.
“Weather its just when you are fight others of your kind that you go at the speeds you do or can you fight say me at the same speed,” replied Paul Snr..
“If that theory is right, you know I could kill you,” said Nibs.
“I’m not sure if you could, but I have the necessary tattoo to resurrect my self,” replied Paul Snr..
“And to put it bluntly so do I,” said Duggie.
After a couple of minutes Trixxie swept David’s legs out from under him and Duggie said, “Stop, you two,” and turned to Paul Snr. and said, “Your choice Paul Snr.”
“Thanks,” replied Paul and randomly picked two members from behind where the pair were sitting, Duggie was also watching how Bill was handling Rose and Sym.
Duggie said to Paul, “Back in a bit, I think I’ll give Jane a break and let her have a spar or rest.”
“No problem Duggie,” replied Paul and turned to where Clare, Abbey and Gareath were sitting, and said, “you three are next.”
In the ring Andrew from the Hammers was fighting Adam from the Marauders. Andrew executed a hip throw and locked out the arm as Adam hit the mat, “enough you two.”
As the pair left the ring and returned to the seating just behind where the three young ones were sitting, Clare, Abbey and Gareath got up and walked towards the ring, Paul said, “You two go easy on Gareath.”
“Ok,” said both Abbey and Clare.
* * * * * *
Anna, Dominic and Tony were all sat at the end nearest where Steven was sitting, Steven lent over and said to Anna, “I’m impressed with the level of skill and commitment to them selves, I wish I had realised that when we first met, I would have asked to join you guys then rather than now.”
“What you planning on joining us then as a Gangrel?” asked Anna.
“Yeah, it looks like I may be what Paul called a Sea Titan, I have no idea what one is or anything about it, but you’ve made me feel welcomed, I was a stranger to you a few weeks ago and you protected me back then and you saved me again a few days ago and I think I would feel lost with you being a round,” said Steven.
“Thank you,” replied a blushing Anna and lent over and gave Steven a kiss on the cheek.
Tony saw the kiss and smiled at the fact his hard nosed sister had just found someone it looked like she liked.
“We may be loosing our spotter,” whispered Dominic in Tony’s ear.
“Yeah, but I don’t care,” whispered Tony back, “I’m more happy that she’s happy, I always thought she would be a hard nosed bitch all her life.”
“Hey, I heard that,” said Anna.
“So,” replied Tony, “It’s the truth, every since we joined the Gangrels you have been one.”
Gary, Lara, Dean and Michelle left the ring they had been using and Anna got up, stepped down and grabbed Tony’s arm and dragged him to the ring, turned to face him and monkey flipped him onto his back and the flicked herself back to her feet. Tony rolled on to his front and brought his left leg up under him which would allow him the chance to move if Anna attacked which she sometimes did.
Paul looked over at Dominic who shrugged his shoulders and mouthed, “Brother and sister tiff.”
Paul opened his mouth to say something when Anna just span and whipped her trailing leg out which brought Tony’s arm up to block the attack. Tony span towards Anna and using his shin removed her legs from under her which caused her to fall back onto her back.
Steven said to Dominic, “Is that over me?”
“No Steven, Anna over heard me and Tony talking about her being a hard nosed bitch, she took it a bit personal,” Dominic replied.
“Thank god for that,” Steven said, “I would hate for the two to fall out over me.”
“Nuts, Steven Tony is incredibly happy for Anna and you, if it works out, which to be honest I hope so too, but she always knows that both of us will always be there for her,” Dominic replied.
Paul then said, “Dominic ring.”
“Ok Paul,” Dominic replied and got up and headed for the ring, where Harry was waiting for him, Harry was large, he did carry an ISW when the Hammers went into a combat.
Dominic smiled to himself as he saw the one weak spot in Harry’s defences. As Dominic entered the ring the pair bowed and as Harry returned to the vertical, Dominic waited and as Harry throw the first punch, which Dominic dodged and then went for an upper palm strike and stopped it a couple of inches from Harry’s nose, Paul just said, “Stop, Dominic you win.”
Harry said, “Oops.”
“Size does have it’s advantages Harry,” Dominic replied.
“Yes I can see that,” Harry replied, and the pair returned to the seats. Where Harry said to Trixxie, “I never saw it, and that’s a first.”
“There is a first time for everything Harry,” replied Adam and Dean.
When Dominic had returned to his seat Paul moved so he was sat just behind and said, “Can I take it you don’t like close combat?”
Dominic smiled and replied, “Bingo, I hate close combat a week before Sarah asked me if want to work for Gothage full time, one of the bullies in school took offence at something I said and took a swing at me, he was six foot seven and built like a brick out house, I dodge left, grabbed his wrist and rammed the palm of my hand into his elbow joint and broke it. Three days later I was expelled and went to work for Gothage full time four days later. No I don’t like street fighting, its one of the reasons why I am a sniper, I like to drop a person from a distance rather than close up, but the three of us work well in both long range sniper work and close support operations, one of the reasons why the M56 sniper rifle I used was modified for full auto and had a custom built 50 round magazine, so when I was working in close support I knew they would be dead before they got close, now with the 240, its 90% confirmed that if I hit them they ain’t getting up. I don’t mind sparring with people but I thought it better you see that I go for the fast disabling and death moves rather than stand toe to toe with an opponent.”
Then Tony and Anna walked back umbridge sorted with Anna getting the word she was looking for out of Tony
* * * * * *
Over on the training mat when Duggie had walked over he saw Rose was practicing with a long thin staff, Bill was using a short Karrack blade and Sym was working with a pair of hook blades. Duggie walked up to Jane and said, “You want to take a break for a bit?”
“No Duggie, but thanks for the offer, I wouldn’t mind someone watching Rose, with the practice dual headed sword staff, as this is the first time I’ve worked with some using it. I have to admit she is good I’ve not seen her drop it or stop the spin once in ten minutes,” Jane replied.
“I’ve had a little experience with one and quite a bit of experience fighting one, as one of my students used it as their preferred weapon,” Duggie replied, and walked to where the weapon rack was and took a half staff and walked to where Rose was practicing and said, “A bit of a play fight Rose?”
“Ok Duggie,” replied Rose, the two spent a good fifteen minutes practicing and learning the weapon. When the pair had finished Duggie asked, “What have you learnt?”
“I like this weapon, I can see it would be lethal in an experts hands,” Rose replied.
“True it is,” Duggie said, and as both Bill and Sym passed heading for the seating area said, “go and take a break.” Duggie then walked to where Jane was standing watching the others spar and asked, “How’s Bill doing?”
“Not to bad for his first session with me and I think street fighting generally,” replied Jane.
* * * * * *
Earlier when Clare, Abbey and Gareath had walked into one of the rings, Nibs had got up and walked to the ring side and knelt down to watch Gareath more closely and had been joined by Richard who asked Nibs, “What you looking for?”
“Just to see how Gareath can improve his basic techniques,” replied Nibs, “I think he has a basic understanding of street fighting but no experience.”
“Ok, so what you looking at doing is a general critique?” Richard asked.
“Yeah,” replied Nibs and then said to Clare and Abbey, “You two don’t gang up on Gareath, or I get involved.”
Abbey replied, “Yeah and that’s not a good idea.”
After about ten minutes, Nibs looked over at Paul Snr. who nodded at Nibs, unspoken question of pull Gareath, Nibs then called to Gareath, “Come here and sit out the rest of the fight.”
Gareath backed around the ring always looking, watching, the two other fighters, and caught one thrust kick from Clare and sent her flying as he heaved her over in push up maneurver. When he had reached where Nibs and Richard were both knelt, Nibs said, “Your beginning to show an improvement only a couple of times did you take you attention off the other, but I think even you realised when you had.”
“Yeah, I normally got hit when I did,” Gareath replied.
“I think the next sparring session, you, me,” and Nibs looked at Richard who nodded, “and Richard have a training session.”
“You and me fighting, and I’ll fight open handed and hit light, whilst Richard watches and corrects the basic mistakes in your style,” Nibs said.
“Bollocks Nibs, your just as good as me, I think we both correct the mistakes rather than just me,” Richard said.
Then Claire, Ren, Paul Jnr. and Hell Bright finished using the far corner ring, Nibs looked at Paul and pointed at him and them and herself and then at the ring. Paul Snr. nodded and got up and headed towards the ring.
“Back in a bit, me and Paul are about to test a theory Paul Snr. has about aspects of my fighting skills and ability,” Nibs said, then Nibs got up and walked around the ring, he tapped Sandra on the shoulder, and Wong on the shoulders and said, “Can I ask you to join me and Paul Snr in testing a theory about our adept abilities?”
“Yeah no worries hun,” replied Sandra.
“Ok, what’s the theory we’re testing?” asked Wong.
“A question surrounding speed, is our full speed available at all times or is it only available when we face each other,” Nibs replied, “I would say we matched and slightly surpassed the sec com agents when we fought a week ago.”
“True we did,” Wong replied.
“Paul Snr. I’ve asked Sandra and Wong to join us, to see if the theory is correct, Sandra ain’t as fast as me or Wong, and Wong matches my speed, so I propose that you and me to start, I push my self then fighting you then after a couple of minutes you drop out and Sandra comes in and we’ll see if my speed matches her speed or if I can push my self beyond her speed then Wong steps in and we see if I can match her speed then you come back again, and see what happens when that happens,” Nibs suggested.
“Now that’s an idea,” replied Paul, “and it would definetly test the theory with other fighters we all know to be faster than me. I’ve asked Ithian to cast a haste spell on me as well, which should improve my speed and that way we can test if you can sense when other things are in play.”
“Then I suggest we begin,” said Nibs.
After a couple of minutes Paul Snr. said, “you pushing yourself Nibs?”
“Yeah I am Paul Snr,” Nibs replied.
As Paul Snr passed Sandra she span kicked at Nibs head and then went to her maximum speed, which almost instantly Nibs matched her speed and again slightly surpassed her speed blocking all the attacks Sandra threw and launching a few light attacks in addition to blocking all the attacks Sandra threw. Then again after a couple of minutes Wong entered and again Nibs matched her speed, but this time Nibs was unable to go faster as each time she tried Wong matched her speed.
Then the final test of the theory was launched Paul re-entered the combat along side Wong and both Nibs and Wong’s speed massively down graded to match and go a bit faster than Paul Snr., then suddenly as Paul passed where Ithian was standing Paul’s speed doubled, this time it took a couple of seconds before Nibs and Wong’s speed matched Paul Snr’s.
Outside the ring, after Ithian had cast haste, Richard suggested, “Lets test something, it took Nibs and Wong a couple of seconds to match Paul Snr’s speed, lets see if it takes you the same time Sandra.”
“Ok,” replied Sandra, and she re-entered the ring except her speed automatically matched everyone else’s.
When the fight finished, the group headed for the seats where Paul Snr. said, “Can I ask, did you push yourself Nibs?”
“Yes I did, each time it looked as if I was slightly faster then my opponent, until I faced Wong, at that point we were matched move for move,” Nibs replied.
“I noticed that when Ithian cast the haste spell on you Paul it took both Nibs and Wong a few seconds to match your speed increase, but then I got Sandra to re-enter and she matched each person, I think its going to take a few more sessions, of effectively mixing the fighters, as it would have been nice to see if both me and Wong had left, would Sandra down grade to Paul’s original speed or would she have kept going at the same speed,” Richard suggested.
Ithian who had also walked over then said, “I wonder what happens when haste is removed from the fighters, do you guy’s down grade or what?”
“I’ll say this, your adept abilities are very unique in the way they have manifested themselves and the control you lot have over them,” said Paul, “I think a current second year student is looking at the way genetic structures are altered and modified by virus, inter-breeding between different races. I’m not the one to ask, but I think either this student or him plus another did a lot of work on what causes the Adept transformations, to my knowledge the work has not been published yet, from the prelim work he’s done, at least five major medical companies are interested in seeing his primary results and they have offered to fund a full PHd thesis into the work.”
“Nice,” said Sandra.
“It should be when it’s published,” said Paul.
When the group sat down Gary turned to Lara and said, “you and me?”
“Yeah, it will be good to find out how good you are,” replied Lara.
Both of them got up and walked to the ring Nibs, Paul, Sandra and Wong had vacated, Blackie and Pixie flew over from the railings above where Hemma, Beatrice and Damien were sitting.
Blackie said, “The fight looked like fun?”
“Bar the fact I’m slightly aching, it was a good fight, it should be interesting to continue and analyse the results from the experiments,” replied Nibs.
As the group walked back Claire got up from where she was sitting and walked towards Sandra and tapped her on the shoulder and said, “When the next ring frees up you and me with weapons?”
“Yeah, ok,” replied Sandra, who sat down with Claire, Pixie landed on Sandra’s shoulder and thought to her, ‘That last fight look hard.’
‘It was and it wasn’t,’ replied Sandra.
Claire whispered in Sandra’s ear, “As the young one’s know, would you gift them for me at some point along with Trixxie and I think Steven.”
“Yeah, no problem,” replied Sandra, “Mind you if your three are at the party, I know for a fact that at least Willoo and Katterina will also be there.”
“That will please my three,” responded Claire.
Nicole and Jaboc stopped sparring after spending a good thirty minutes fighting each other. Claire tapped Sandra on the shoulder and pointed to the empty ring. Sandra nodded yes and the pair got up, Sandra headed for the weapons rack to collect her three quarter length staff, and Claire who walked with her, tapped the Knight in armour tattoo and when the pair reached the rack she also tapped the Karrack blade one and when she went to pick one up, and in her hands appeared the long Karrack blade. The pair then turned towards the ring. When the pair headed it they both faced each other and bowed, when they had returned to the vertical base Sandra readied her staff and Claire readied her Karrack blade.
* * * * * *
Over on the seating Jay saw Claire tapped her right breast and also saw a shimmer appear over the top of Claire Black Light Armour. Jay then shook her head to clear what she had seen, when she looked back it was still there, she thought to herself, ‘Something is wrong,’ a couple of seconds later she saw Claire touch the opposite breast and she could have sworn that the blade Claire was then carrying had not been there and she had definetly not picked one up from the rack. Jay leant over and said to Trixxie and Gary, “Did you see Claire pick up a weapon and do you see the shimmer that is covering her armour?”
“No,” replied Gary, he could see it but now was not the time for telling people.
Gary then nudged Trixxie who smiled and she also said, “Sorry mate, I didn’t.”
“Arh ok, must be me then,” responded Jay.
* * * * * *
Wong overheard Jay’s comments and whispered to Paul, “Jay may have picked up on a couple of things about Claire.”
“Thanks Wong,” replied Paul, and continued to watch Claire and Sandra.
* * * * * *
Claire thrust her Karrack blade directly at Sandra’s head which caused Sandra to duck and swing her staff at her knee area. Claire lifted her leg and blocked to swing and then swing her blade and caught the staff and took it up and over in a circular movement over her head and forced it to hit the floor and Claire held it there and then snapped kicked Sandra in the hip area, the follow up attack forced Sandra to dodge right which also freed her trapped staff.
Sandra then said, “Nice combo.”
“Thanks,” responded Claire.
“I’ll say this, you are getting better, I would say give you a couple more months and you be as good as most of us were before we knew we were Adepts,” Sandra said.
Claire then executed a swing attack against Sandra’s left shoulder which Sandra blocked with the centre of the staff but Sandra’s counter attack totally surprised Claire and also Paul, Sandra brought the lower end of the staff up and hit Claire in the groin, the impact forced Claire to leave the ground, Sandra them quickly removed the staff Claire crashed down onto the matting face down, Claire hands went to break the fall which they did. Claire then went to roll forward and when she had almost finished the roll she went to swipe Sandra across the gut area. This attack surprised Sandra and the armour went from the molten state to solid and deflected the swing.
“That was good,” said Sandra.
Claire just looked evilly at her and said, “Got you.”
“You did at that,” responded Sandra.
The pair then spend twenty minutes weapons sparring. Charrbrr and Pixie both sat on the railings surrounding the seating area watching the fight and was joined by Blackie and Deedban who said, “Claire is getting better.”
“Very much so,” said Pixie.
* * * * * *
About 05:00 Nibs and Richard both called a halt to the session and Nibs said, “Lets head back and put some other clothes over the top of the armour and get some food before the party starts.”
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