Chapter 9
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. . . 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝟚𝟘𝟞𝟟 . . .

"It's payback time, Avidia."

Of course, it would be Mason.

The more you wish for it not to happen, the more chances it will happen.

His built and strength were the reason I was avoiding him. For someone who was only sixteen years old, he sure was physically fit, with that toned muscles and all.

I already knew what he was like before, but having been trained by a professional, I was certain he had improved.

Aside from that, he would show no mercy in this match, knowing he hated my guts.

Both of us stepped forward near Sir Hamilton. We stood there, a meter away from each other.

"Ready," Sir commanded.

We both fixed our posture to a fighting stance. Right leg behind. Arms folded inches from the faces. Palms slightly opened, ready to block.

I focused my eyes on him. There he was in his training suit, emitting a dark aura as his eyes were full of rage.

He probably thought this match was part two of what happened back then, but for me, it was a match to prove him he was wrong. Maybe, just maybe, I could change his mind.

"Start."

Before I could blink, the distance between us closed as Mason bolted. He swung his right arm, launching a straight punch aimed at my face. As expected, he took the first attack which could mean he was used to being an offense.

I was surprised by his sudden movement but not enough to lose my composure. He may had the speed but he didn't know I had a fast reflex. I shifted my body slightly to the right and blocked his punch with my left arm. I saw a flicker of shock on his face. Before he could counter my attack, I grabbed his shoulders, pulling his torso close to me.

"It wasn't me," I whispered, repeating the words I said that night, right before I kneed him on his abdomen.

Ugh, I missed the chance to kick him on the groin.

He let out a faint groan, clutching his stomach while bent on one knee. Was it that painful?

I stepped backward. The farther the better. I prepared myself and waited for his next attack.

He didn't waste his time and regained his stance. He stood up, letting the hand that was on his abdomen fall on his side. I saw him clenched both of his fists, making the veins on his arms pop out even more. He looked up, straight in my eyes. They were telling me something.

"I'm going to fucking kill you," or something like that.

One thing was sure.

He was angrier than before.

He may not show it, but I could feel it.

He's getting himself in trouble.

Throughout the match, he let his emotions take over him which caused him to be reckless. He wasn't thinking straight so he couldn't control his speed and strength. Despite being fast, I continuously blocked and countered his attacks. I noticed he had a pattern so I memorized it, making it easier for me to stop him.

Even without memorizing, I could still determine where his next strike will be. I could hear them. The sound of his swings.

That went on for a while until I made a wrong move. When his fist was aimed at my head, I squatted down, trying to avoid the punch, but that only gave him an opening. He targeted my chin and planted an uppercut punch, making me stumble back. It wouldn't hurt that much if my tongue wasn't between my teeth.

Soon, I tasted blood. I didn't get the chance to think when he made his next move again. My head was within his grasp and pulled it upwards as he headbutted me.

He sure has a hard head.

He caught both of my wrists, but I quickly escaped his hold. I launched myself onto him, seeing an opening. He fell on the ground, and I sat on top of him. When I noticed both of his hands were to cover his face, I pulled them away and started to punch his face, right on his nose. I heard a crack and blood came out of his nostrils.

Anger was still evident on his face, but his desire to knock me out was dominant. Before I could stand up, he dragged his hips upwards, put his hands on my waist, and threw me down. Shortly, our positions reversed.
He quickly grabbed me by the neck, choking me.

Just like how he did it before.

His grip grew tighter and tighter, fingernails piercing to my pale skin. His neck was red due to the blazing fire inside him. His brown hair was disheveled. His bangs covered the bloodlust in his eyes.

I wanted to stop that before it eats him up. I wanted him to stop hating me, but I didn't know how. Heck, I didn't even know how to stop him from strangling me.

"I should've killed you that night, the same as how you killed my brother," he said, gritting his teeth.

I started struggling. I couldn't breathe. My vision was getting blurry to the point I couldn't picture out his face anymore.

Is this how my life will end?

His hands were big enough to cover my neck using only one so he let the other go. He swung his free hand back, ready to throw his finishing blow.

But suddenly, someone stopped him.

"That's enough. You'll kill the kid."

Sir Hamilton captured his wrist and I could see Mason resisting it. His clasp on my neck eased a little bit until he wasn't holding it anymore. My airway cleared up, allowing me to breathe. I was on my knees, coughing when I got back my sight.

That was close.

I looked up and saw Mason standing still as he was being scolded.

"What has gotten into you? Suddenly permitting your anger to control yourself. Did you think I couldn't feel it?"

Mason pursed his lips. "I'm sorry Sir."

Sir Hamilton clicked his tongue. "I won't tolerate this act if you do it again." His face shifted to me. "You," he called out. "Stand up. Take yourselves to the Infirmary. Now."

In the end, no one won the match.

We went our way to the Infirmary and Mason wouldn't stop cursing me under his breath.

"I could hear you, you know," I told him as we were walking in the empty hallway. 

He clicked his tongue, "Tsk," and mumbled under his breath, still audible, "Fucking lost a chance again."

I stopped moving and let him walk ahead of me. "What should I do to make you stop hating me?" I asked.

I was getting tired of being haunted by my past. Haunted by the memories of people I hurt. May it be two, three, or more than five years ago.

Forgetting everything was just temporary. I wanted to make amends. I wanted to correct my mistakes. I wanted them to know I changed. For the better. In this way, I could completely move on from it.

He turned around with his brows furrowed, looking like he heard something unbelievable. "There's nothing you can do, Avidia. Just like how my brother's life can't be brought back, my hate for you will never leave."

"I've been telling you for two years since that night, I didn't kill your brother! I never killed anyone and I never will!" I argued.

This is really frustrating. I'm telling the truth yet he doesn't believe me.

"That's bullshit. Stop trying to clear your name, Avidia. Lies won't make up for what you did."

"No," I said as I walked to where he stood and pinned him against the wall to prevent him from getting away.  "I'm sick and tired of letting people believe what they want to believe even if it's not the truth."

He looked down at me and raised his left brow.  "And your point?"

I lowered my arms and crossed it. "My point is, I will prove to you that you're wrong."

He scoffed. "Oh yeah? Go ahead and try, Avidia. Let's see if you can change my mind." He put his hands on my shoulder and shoved me away.

I caught his wrist and said, "Ask your sisters, Natalie and Layla, about what happened that night. If they still tell you I was the one who stabbed your brother, then check the knife. Search for my fingerprints." I unclasp my hands on his wrist. "But I'm pretty sure you won't find any."

I continued walking past him. "Are you accusing my sisters?!" I heard him shout.

"Shut up. There are still classes ongoing. Get your ass over here and get your nose treated," I answered back.

I'm not a coward anymore. I won't let myself succumb to those words of his. I'm not going to let this chance slip away. This time, I'll prove him wrong.

Wait till you see, Mason.

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A/N:

That's it for this chapter! I really researched Krav Maga moves for that fight scene 😂 It was my first time writing something like this so I'm not sure if I did well or not hahaha 😂

Anyways, stay tuned for the next chapter! Happy reading~ ❤️