In Her Defense
Vincent
During self defence, we began discussing our plan of action. Punching and kicking is all very well, but I don’t believe that a padded wall is going to be our opponent. We had started simple punches and kicks and when we had mastered that we would move on to martial arts.
“If this school is not funded by the government, that makes it a private organization. As a private school, it can train children for its own purposes.” Sandy was trying to work it out by simple logic.
Cho
I followed his line of reasoning. “If they do that, then they are actually creating custom made information seeking killing machines. The government might not have anything to do with this organization. Who knows? We might even be getting told to work against the government.”
Zacharias
I mused, “That’s right, if they give you an ‘assignment’ who’s to tell, whether they gave it or the government?”
“That can’t always work,” put in Fizz. “I mean, maybe it would fool someone like me, but these people are supposed to be the most talented and intelligent people in the world. Surely somebody would have picked up on something. We’re just kids and we’ve figured it out!”
Angelina
Snowy seemed to agree. ‘Punzel put in, “I take it neither of you has even had a look at the ‘Spying History’ textbook.”
“No we haven’t, did you see the size of that book! And besides, it’s just so yawn worthy,” I grumbled.
“You should, I went through it a couple times and it’s pretty interesting,” enthused Sandy.
“Went through it? A couple times? I...just...I...gah!” I exclaimed in shock and disgust.
Vincent
“The point is,” said ‘Punzel, interrupting Sandy and Fizz’s ‘fascinating’ discussion. “The book is full of instances of death on an assignment. You know, Edith The Fearless died rather than divulge information, Martin The Brave died by eating a disease capsule rather than give it up to the enemy. Spying is a dangerous job, and in the wake of all these deaths, who’d notice a few more?”
Cho
The implication of my words sank in.
“You really are a conniving little mastermind,” said Fizz.
“With that diabolical mind, I’m glad you’re on our side,” laughed Sandy.
Snowy was frowning, “Next bell is prep. We have to finish those questions on Types of Self Defence. The history assignment is due as well. Then we’re free. Sandy, you search the books for useful information. I’ll do some advanced searches on the computers in the library.”
Zacharias
I nodded in assent. Self Defence was soon to be over, we only had a couple punches left to do. Fizz was complaining, “After this session I will be certain that I can successfully defeat a padded wall. I mean, come on! How is this actually going to help?”
Ms. K. Waan looked over at us with glittering eyes. I see some people are unhappy with the way I teach. Of course we should have some hands on experience. Ms Johnson, you will assist me of course?”
Angelina
Sandy looked like he was about to pass out. “How are you not scared?” he whispered.
“I am but I won’t show it. If you show you’re scared they’ll think you’re weak. Be strong, and they’ll back down,” I replied.
“Ms Johnson, if you’re done with your last words, please come to the mat.
“Those weren’t last words, they were a promise to help me carry your unconscious body to the infirmary.” The words were out before I could think.
Vincent
The whole class doubled over in laughter. At a look from the teacher, the laughter shrivelled up. Fizz didn’t look down or seem afraid. Her head was thrown back, her eyes were narrowed, and her shoulders were back. This was not a scared little girl. This was a foe, an opponent not to be dealt with lightly.
“We shall begin,” said Ms. K. Waan and smiled smoothly.
Cho
Before anyone had any time to react, her leg shot out towards Fizz. But Fizz was quicker and she dodged it fluidly. They circled the mat, eyeing each other. Ms Waan’s hand reached out and connected with Fizz’s jaw. Fizz stumbled back, but held her ground.
The teacher then punched Fizz’s face and Fizz swayed and fell down. I screamed and was about to run to her aid, when I saw her open her eyes and wink at me. She sat up. Her nose was bleeding, and her face was bruised where Ms Waan had hit her.
Zacharias
Ms Waan looked down at Fizz and asked, “Do you yield?” No reply.
She asked again, louder, “Do you yield?”
Fizz looked up at her. Her body was dishevelled but her eyes held fire. “I’d die first.”
“That can be arranged.”
Ms Waan treaded the mat around Fizz. Calmly. Unconcernedly. Angelina’s legs extended and wrapped around Ms. K. Waan’s. Using her strength and height to her advantage, Fizz pulled on Ms Waan’s legs and the teacher fell gracefully on to the mat.
Angelina
Ms. Waan smiled next to me. “Class dismissed.”
I made to get up. “Not you, Ms Johnson.” Everybody left the room.
“You have talent, Ms Johnson. I’ll grant you that. I will teach you how to fight. You can stay back for extra class. Starting now. Get up.”