‘I was winning that battle until she pulled at my ankle. It was one hell of a low blow.’ Alba explained, stood in front of her adversary, body tense and ready. ‘Why don’t you stop boasting about your incredible fighting skills, your goddamn blackbelts, and see if you can really overpower me?’

The Italian beamed, recalled the countless times she’d played such games with younger cousins when her parents weren’t looking. ‘Just so you know, I was a dancer not long ago, took some ice-skating classes and lift weight every-’

‘Stop boasting!’ Ms. Hernandez repeated, a grin of antecipationn on herr lips.

‘Very well.’

They took on offensive stances from different wrestling styles, measured each other, savored the sweet taste of preparation for a moment, as it rested on their tongues.

They stood posed like that, engulfed in a bubble of their own, unaware of everything else, even of their friends darting through the mansion and laughing raucously.

‘Ready?’ Marina asked, voice teasing, muscles contracting, addrenaline running on her veins.

‘One, two…’

‘Three.’ They spoke it together, automatically launched into movement.

The girl avoided a punch, lightly hit the Italian’s leg with a kick and took a jab on her arm. Both held back and didn’t attack with unnecessary strenght. It was only a play, after all. A childish, silly competition.

Alba was very fast and neatly evaded almost all of the hits, a consequence of getting into fights with boys twice her age and size, while living in Seville. Dancing also contributed, gave her an unearthy sense of balance and precise, graceful moves.

On the other hand, Marina was incredibly strong and resistant, stood her ground and barely bulged as the teen tried to knock her down. Her lack in speed was countered by an excelent defense. All in all, they were even, in great shape.

It was also hard for one to fool the other. Uncannily so, they always knew what to do so as to protect themselves.

Thus the battle sometimes looked more like a rather violent, playful dance, a choreography made for testing who’d make the first and last mistake.

No words were said. None were needed , since their eyes were locked and provided good enough comunication.