Post by Skye on Oct 6, 2011 17:08:36 GMT -5
Being called a two-bit bitch on national television is sure to nick a girl’s ego. Of course, considering the source, she didn’t take it too much to heart. Still… it stung a little. And that was something to keep her motivated when this training felt like too much, when she hit that wall that said ‘NO More!’
She’d remember those words and the tone with which they were said, and find the steel to push through. To lift a weight one more time, to do one more push up, one more crunch, one more…
Skye breathed deeply, and trained her focus on the poster of a serene autumn countryside on the wall in front of her, imagining she was running down the roadside on a crisp fall morning, instead of the reality of a treadmill late at night, in what used to be her office. Soon, she hit a steady pace and she settled into the smooth stride that felt like she was eating up distance. Sure, jogging on the treadmill was rather boring, but no way was she going to be out on the streets alone at night, and no way would Toby to let her!
On the plus side, not having to watch for traffic meant she could let her mind wander. She contemplated the show again, from Xplode’s introduction of his new manager/partner to his decimation of James Hart. She tended to agree with announcer Gibson’s estimation that something was not right with Skyler. There was something, Skye couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she felt like she knew her from somewhere. The girl certainly held a grudge against Toby for something, and yet she looked too young to be an ex-girlfriend. Skye’s eyes widened as a thought occurred to her and she nearly stumbled on the treadmill. Quickly, she regained her balance and moved her feet to the sides, gripping the handrails to keep herself righted. She stopped the machine to turn over this new thought for a few moments. She cocked her head to the side, her eyes moving as if they were scanning a photo. Nodding contemplatively to herself, she looked at her time, and judging it sufficient, stepped off the treadmill, grabbed her towel from the side handle, and began to wipe her brow and neck before she absently began her after workout stretches in front of a newly installed full length wall mirror.
One part of working out that Skye had always liked was the stretching afterwards. She’d refer to it as her ‘dessert’, her reward for getting through it. It always felt so good to stretch out her warmed up muscles, to do a little gentle yoga, some ballet moves. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror tonight and blinked, again surprised at how fast hard, proper, training can make a difference in a body. Between Toby’s lessons, what she’d learned from Chris and the workouts she’d been doing for years, she felt like all she did anymore was train, eat, train some more, sleep a little and train more. She hoped it would be enough. Toby said she was doing great.
Walking into the kitchen, Skye grabbed a bottle of water off the counter. Sighing as she twisted the cap off, she attempted to quiet her thoughts. That was what the stretching was supposed to have done, calm things down after the workout. There were so many things happening lately, so seemingly random. She tipped the bottle to her mouth, reveling in the feeling of the water moistening her parched mouth and throat, her body at least slowing down finally, pulse and heart rate returning to normal. She decided that she would get back to the ruminations after a shower.
She kicked off her shoes, bent to pick them up with a groan, and headed upstairs. “Why am I doing this to myself again? Oh yeah, because Toby needs more recovery time.”[/color] She slugged back another mouthful of water before she set the bottle on the dresser, then walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Shedding her workout clothes and stepping in when the temperature was nearly steaming, her muscles gratefully relaxed under the beat of the water. As she washed, Skye again thought about why she was doing something rather outside ‘the box’ for her.
It had all happened so fast, Skye wasn’t even sure now who had challenged who, or how it had all come about.
At the show, Xplode looked like he was ready to move the fight with Toby up, like he didn’t want to wait until Prestige, that was, until he had thrown that girl in front of himself like a shield. And what of this girl, this slip of a girl who was hanging off him these days, and had helped him pound the crap out of poor James Hart… she’d be right there ready to help Xplode do the same to Toby. If Skye didn’t let her know that She’d be there at Toby’s side ready to help him in turn! So, Skye was getting ready for it, and giving Toby more time to heal up. He’d been pretty beat up at Scars & Stripes, not just in his match, but afterwards. Was she doing the right thing? Well, Toby was backing her up on this, he was helping her with her training, teaching her moves, and he hadn’t told her she shouldn’t be doing it.
“Nooooooooooo!”[/color] Skye sat up, gasping heavily. The room was dark, quiet. She realized she’d only been screaming in her dream. She fought to calm her shaking, telling herself over and over that it had been just a dream.
Toby stirred next to her, “Babe?” [/color]He sleepily threw an arm behind her, “What’s wrong?” [/color]
Skye laid down close to him, reassuring herself that he was still there, “I dreamt about a motorcycle crash. I was sitting in the middle of the road, watching a bike go up in flames. It was awful, like how Dusty died.” [/color]She began to tremble from head to toe.
“S’alright Babe, was just a dream. You weren’t there when Dusty died, hon.” [/color]He pulled her close and stroked her hair, “You’re nervous, old memories surface. Shhh now. It was just a dream.” [/color]He repeated soothing platitudes over and over in a sleepy voice.
Skye closed her eyes and hoped the trembling would stop. She wasn’t going to correct Toby, even though he’d misunderstood her. In her dream, she’d stared helplessly at a tree going up in flames. The cause of the fire was a motorcycle and its rider, crashed at the tree’s base. As she watched, the bike burst into a fireball, consuming itself, the flames licking up the tree, sending charred leaves floating out into the night, as if on a summer breeze. She could hear the crackling of the wood, the crying of the metal. Safely off to the sides she’d seen people standing, and when she turned her head, she could recognize them. On one side stood Jaden and Skyler, staring stone-faced at the fire, just standing there. On the other stood Raviel, a cigar in one hand, the other hand in the pocket of his suit coat. Looking for all the world as if he were attending a cocktail party. He turned towards her, saluted her with the cigar, and grinned.
Skye turned her face into Toby’s shoulder, willing it to be truly just a dream, just her nerves, “Yeah, it was just a dream. Sorry it woke you, Sweetie.” [/color]He continued to stroke her hair until he fell asleep again, Skye lay awake long after, listening to the sound of his breathing, the strong beating of his heart.
Skye picked up the handset and punched and looked at the slip of paper on her knee again before punching in the numbers. Once it started ringing, she laid the paper on the side table, and waited for someone to pick up.
“Hi Mary, how are you? I was wondering if you’d heard from Sara? I’ve tried to reach her, but now her cel phone is disconnected.” [/color]Skye sat back against the sofa, and gazed out the window into the yard. It was a gorgeous autumn day, clouds scudded across the sky, providing a pretty background to the young trees she’d had planted a few weeks prior.
“Hey Skye, I’m fine. Nope, I haven’t heard from Sara at all.” [/color]Mary’s voice sounded strangely unconcerned, “That’s odd about her number, I’ll ask Morgan if she’s heard anything.” [/color]Changing the subject, Mary’s voice went up pitch, “Is it true what I heard round the company? Are you really scheduled to compete? Against Xplode’s new bitch?” [/color]
“Heh, yes, it’s true.” [/color]Skye chuckled before getting serious, “Toby believes in me, and even though Xplode is backing her up, I think he’s just using her to bait Toby, goad him for some reason.” [/color]
“Ooo, any ideas on that?” [/color]Mary sounded obviously curious, reminding Skye that even though she and Mary were on friendly terms, Mary was still Roy’s sister. Roy being a competitor meant that Skye needed to be on her guard about what personal information she shared about Toby. With the recent parting of the ways between Toby and the Devils Due Club, she’d come to feel that she had very few people left she could trust.
“Other than to throw him off his game before Prestige, no. I think this girl’s got her own agenda as well, but I am not sure what.” [/color]Skye shook her head, her hair rustling against the handset.
“Because you are important to Toby? Maybe they hope that hurting you, putting you out of commission, might distract Toby.” [/color]Mary pointed out.
Skye contemplated that for a moment, “Unless I put her out of commission, which I doubt would distract Xplode. Obviously, they are both assuming I’m an easy mark.” [/color]She worried her lower lip with her teeth, “And I could be, I’ve never done this before.” [/color]
“You’re getting coaching from two World Champions! Not even Roy can boast that!” [/color]Mary laughed.
Skye added ruefully “And the practice I had fighting off an abusive partner. Although that was back in college.” [/color]
“You’ll be fine,” [/color]Mary’s tone sounded a little forced, causing Skye to smile a little. It was still encouragement, even if she could tell it was tinged with a little doubt. Skye heard noise in the background. “Hey Skye, everyone’s back, I gotta go.” [/color]Mary hung up before Skye had a chance to say good-bye.
Setting the phone down, Skye sat back against the sofa cushions and replayed her conversation with Mary in her head. Did Xplode and Skyler two think she was going to be a 1-2-3 and out for the count? Skye felt Xplode had never thought much of her, his constant sexist remarks when he was a commentator had shown that. “What is it you dislike about me so much, Xplode? Are you a misogynist? Or is it just that you hate your brother so much, that anyone who cares for him becomes disliked by association? That’s so sad, and so juvenile. You need to grow up. And hiding behind a girl?” [/color]Skye chuckled to herself, “Oh I know, you weren’t really hiding, you were making sure Toby got a really good look at her. And I’m gonna figure out why, Xplode. You don’t do things in the ring just for kicks, well, not unless you’ve already won. And you haven’t won this, not by a long shot. Where she came from, I don’t know… yet… but I think you got lucky and she found you, not the other way around.” [/color]
Skye tapped one finger on her chin, reaching absently for an ever present water bottle with the other hand, “And you, miss ‘Skyler’ – if that’s even your real name. Knowing Xplode, he’d be likely to suggest that as another little twist of a knife. What is your angle? Yeah, you’re tough, and you have a humongous chip on your shoulder, but you’re young. I doubt you’ve been through the wringer quite as much as you think you have. What do you want with Toby? Is it what I think it is? If so, why are you so angry?” [/color]She shook her head, her thoughts were bouncing from idea to idea, You’re going to get a surprise on Sunday, I might look soft and meek, but have you done your research? It’s not like your mentor Xplode to skip a full background check on his opponents. Will he think to do the same favor for you? Or does he think I am so little threat, does he think he knows me so well already?” [/color]Raising her bottle, she ‘toasted’ her opponent, Good luck to you, ‘Skyler’, I don’t know what you are fighting for, but I’m fighting for my man, and we all know that a woman fighting for her own, is a force to be reckoned with.” [/color]
She’d remember those words and the tone with which they were said, and find the steel to push through. To lift a weight one more time, to do one more push up, one more crunch, one more…
Skye breathed deeply, and trained her focus on the poster of a serene autumn countryside on the wall in front of her, imagining she was running down the roadside on a crisp fall morning, instead of the reality of a treadmill late at night, in what used to be her office. Soon, she hit a steady pace and she settled into the smooth stride that felt like she was eating up distance. Sure, jogging on the treadmill was rather boring, but no way was she going to be out on the streets alone at night, and no way would Toby to let her!
On the plus side, not having to watch for traffic meant she could let her mind wander. She contemplated the show again, from Xplode’s introduction of his new manager/partner to his decimation of James Hart. She tended to agree with announcer Gibson’s estimation that something was not right with Skyler. There was something, Skye couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she felt like she knew her from somewhere. The girl certainly held a grudge against Toby for something, and yet she looked too young to be an ex-girlfriend. Skye’s eyes widened as a thought occurred to her and she nearly stumbled on the treadmill. Quickly, she regained her balance and moved her feet to the sides, gripping the handrails to keep herself righted. She stopped the machine to turn over this new thought for a few moments. She cocked her head to the side, her eyes moving as if they were scanning a photo. Nodding contemplatively to herself, she looked at her time, and judging it sufficient, stepped off the treadmill, grabbed her towel from the side handle, and began to wipe her brow and neck before she absently began her after workout stretches in front of a newly installed full length wall mirror.
One part of working out that Skye had always liked was the stretching afterwards. She’d refer to it as her ‘dessert’, her reward for getting through it. It always felt so good to stretch out her warmed up muscles, to do a little gentle yoga, some ballet moves. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror tonight and blinked, again surprised at how fast hard, proper, training can make a difference in a body. Between Toby’s lessons, what she’d learned from Chris and the workouts she’d been doing for years, she felt like all she did anymore was train, eat, train some more, sleep a little and train more. She hoped it would be enough. Toby said she was doing great.
.....
Walking into the kitchen, Skye grabbed a bottle of water off the counter. Sighing as she twisted the cap off, she attempted to quiet her thoughts. That was what the stretching was supposed to have done, calm things down after the workout. There were so many things happening lately, so seemingly random. She tipped the bottle to her mouth, reveling in the feeling of the water moistening her parched mouth and throat, her body at least slowing down finally, pulse and heart rate returning to normal. She decided that she would get back to the ruminations after a shower.
She kicked off her shoes, bent to pick them up with a groan, and headed upstairs. “Why am I doing this to myself again? Oh yeah, because Toby needs more recovery time.”[/color] She slugged back another mouthful of water before she set the bottle on the dresser, then walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Shedding her workout clothes and stepping in when the temperature was nearly steaming, her muscles gratefully relaxed under the beat of the water. As she washed, Skye again thought about why she was doing something rather outside ‘the box’ for her.
It had all happened so fast, Skye wasn’t even sure now who had challenged who, or how it had all come about.
At the show, Xplode looked like he was ready to move the fight with Toby up, like he didn’t want to wait until Prestige, that was, until he had thrown that girl in front of himself like a shield. And what of this girl, this slip of a girl who was hanging off him these days, and had helped him pound the crap out of poor James Hart… she’d be right there ready to help Xplode do the same to Toby. If Skye didn’t let her know that She’d be there at Toby’s side ready to help him in turn! So, Skye was getting ready for it, and giving Toby more time to heal up. He’d been pretty beat up at Scars & Stripes, not just in his match, but afterwards. Was she doing the right thing? Well, Toby was backing her up on this, he was helping her with her training, teaching her moves, and he hadn’t told her she shouldn’t be doing it.
●
“Nooooooooooo!”[/color] Skye sat up, gasping heavily. The room was dark, quiet. She realized she’d only been screaming in her dream. She fought to calm her shaking, telling herself over and over that it had been just a dream.
Toby stirred next to her, “Babe?” [/color]He sleepily threw an arm behind her, “What’s wrong?” [/color]
Skye laid down close to him, reassuring herself that he was still there, “I dreamt about a motorcycle crash. I was sitting in the middle of the road, watching a bike go up in flames. It was awful, like how Dusty died.” [/color]She began to tremble from head to toe.
“S’alright Babe, was just a dream. You weren’t there when Dusty died, hon.” [/color]He pulled her close and stroked her hair, “You’re nervous, old memories surface. Shhh now. It was just a dream.” [/color]He repeated soothing platitudes over and over in a sleepy voice.
Skye closed her eyes and hoped the trembling would stop. She wasn’t going to correct Toby, even though he’d misunderstood her. In her dream, she’d stared helplessly at a tree going up in flames. The cause of the fire was a motorcycle and its rider, crashed at the tree’s base. As she watched, the bike burst into a fireball, consuming itself, the flames licking up the tree, sending charred leaves floating out into the night, as if on a summer breeze. She could hear the crackling of the wood, the crying of the metal. Safely off to the sides she’d seen people standing, and when she turned her head, she could recognize them. On one side stood Jaden and Skyler, staring stone-faced at the fire, just standing there. On the other stood Raviel, a cigar in one hand, the other hand in the pocket of his suit coat. Looking for all the world as if he were attending a cocktail party. He turned towards her, saluted her with the cigar, and grinned.
Skye turned her face into Toby’s shoulder, willing it to be truly just a dream, just her nerves, “Yeah, it was just a dream. Sorry it woke you, Sweetie.” [/color]He continued to stroke her hair until he fell asleep again, Skye lay awake long after, listening to the sound of his breathing, the strong beating of his heart.
●
Skye picked up the handset and punched and looked at the slip of paper on her knee again before punching in the numbers. Once it started ringing, she laid the paper on the side table, and waited for someone to pick up.
“Hi Mary, how are you? I was wondering if you’d heard from Sara? I’ve tried to reach her, but now her cel phone is disconnected.” [/color]Skye sat back against the sofa, and gazed out the window into the yard. It was a gorgeous autumn day, clouds scudded across the sky, providing a pretty background to the young trees she’d had planted a few weeks prior.
“Hey Skye, I’m fine. Nope, I haven’t heard from Sara at all.” [/color]Mary’s voice sounded strangely unconcerned, “That’s odd about her number, I’ll ask Morgan if she’s heard anything.” [/color]Changing the subject, Mary’s voice went up pitch, “Is it true what I heard round the company? Are you really scheduled to compete? Against Xplode’s new bitch?” [/color]
“Heh, yes, it’s true.” [/color]Skye chuckled before getting serious, “Toby believes in me, and even though Xplode is backing her up, I think he’s just using her to bait Toby, goad him for some reason.” [/color]
“Ooo, any ideas on that?” [/color]Mary sounded obviously curious, reminding Skye that even though she and Mary were on friendly terms, Mary was still Roy’s sister. Roy being a competitor meant that Skye needed to be on her guard about what personal information she shared about Toby. With the recent parting of the ways between Toby and the Devils Due Club, she’d come to feel that she had very few people left she could trust.
“Other than to throw him off his game before Prestige, no. I think this girl’s got her own agenda as well, but I am not sure what.” [/color]Skye shook her head, her hair rustling against the handset.
“Because you are important to Toby? Maybe they hope that hurting you, putting you out of commission, might distract Toby.” [/color]Mary pointed out.
Skye contemplated that for a moment, “Unless I put her out of commission, which I doubt would distract Xplode. Obviously, they are both assuming I’m an easy mark.” [/color]She worried her lower lip with her teeth, “And I could be, I’ve never done this before.” [/color]
“You’re getting coaching from two World Champions! Not even Roy can boast that!” [/color]Mary laughed.
Skye added ruefully “And the practice I had fighting off an abusive partner. Although that was back in college.” [/color]
“You’ll be fine,” [/color]Mary’s tone sounded a little forced, causing Skye to smile a little. It was still encouragement, even if she could tell it was tinged with a little doubt. Skye heard noise in the background. “Hey Skye, everyone’s back, I gotta go.” [/color]Mary hung up before Skye had a chance to say good-bye.
Setting the phone down, Skye sat back against the sofa cushions and replayed her conversation with Mary in her head. Did Xplode and Skyler two think she was going to be a 1-2-3 and out for the count? Skye felt Xplode had never thought much of her, his constant sexist remarks when he was a commentator had shown that. “What is it you dislike about me so much, Xplode? Are you a misogynist? Or is it just that you hate your brother so much, that anyone who cares for him becomes disliked by association? That’s so sad, and so juvenile. You need to grow up. And hiding behind a girl?” [/color]Skye chuckled to herself, “Oh I know, you weren’t really hiding, you were making sure Toby got a really good look at her. And I’m gonna figure out why, Xplode. You don’t do things in the ring just for kicks, well, not unless you’ve already won. And you haven’t won this, not by a long shot. Where she came from, I don’t know… yet… but I think you got lucky and she found you, not the other way around.” [/color]
Skye tapped one finger on her chin, reaching absently for an ever present water bottle with the other hand, “And you, miss ‘Skyler’ – if that’s even your real name. Knowing Xplode, he’d be likely to suggest that as another little twist of a knife. What is your angle? Yeah, you’re tough, and you have a humongous chip on your shoulder, but you’re young. I doubt you’ve been through the wringer quite as much as you think you have. What do you want with Toby? Is it what I think it is? If so, why are you so angry?” [/color]She shook her head, her thoughts were bouncing from idea to idea, You’re going to get a surprise on Sunday, I might look soft and meek, but have you done your research? It’s not like your mentor Xplode to skip a full background check on his opponents. Will he think to do the same favor for you? Or does he think I am so little threat, does he think he knows me so well already?” [/color]Raising her bottle, she ‘toasted’ her opponent, Good luck to you, ‘Skyler’, I don’t know what you are fighting for, but I’m fighting for my man, and we all know that a woman fighting for her own, is a force to be reckoned with.” [/color]
