Chapter 4: Humble lessons: 04 Composure
(In the old gym Shannon is finishing up a lite work out on a punching bag stopping for a moment to look towards a particular spot on the gym floor seeing a silhouette of himself and Bethony, he lets out a lite chuckle just as principle Lewis walks through the door)
Principle Lewis: Ah, there you are.
Shannon: Something wrong?
Principle Lewis: No, I just wanted you to know that I'm leaving for the day, here.
(Principle Lewis puts Shannon's bag next to the gym door, then walks further in towards one of the punching bags)
Shannon: Thanks, and thanks again for letting me set this place up as my personal little gym.
Principle Lewis: No problem.
(Approaching one of the punching bags Principle Lewis preforms a standard one-two boxing technique swaying the bag)
Principle Lewis: Not to brag or anything but when I was a kid I was quite good, maybe I can show you a thing or two, if I ever get the time.
Shannon: If you ever get the time.
(Principle Lewis begins walking towards the exit)
Principle Lewis: Right, don't forget to finish your paper work and I will see you tomorrow.
Shannon: See you tomorrow.
(With principle Lewis gone Shannon looks down at his bag)
Shannon: (Sigh) All work and no play, guess I've got no one to blame but myself.
(Letting out a deep yawn, Shannon soon grabs his towel, dawns his tank-top, does a short stretch and begins gathering his belongings stopping momentarily to look at the punching bag Principle Lewis had just worked on, then leaves closeing the gym doors behind him, moments later the punching bag Shannon was working on rips open and the sand comes pouring out, making his way to the school gates Shannon sees a figure standing in the distance, as he approaches it's revealed to be a young girl standing confidently in his path, he stops a few feet away from her)
Jasmine: Hi, my names Jasmine Bridges.
Shannon: Hello Ms. Bridges, do you mind telling me what your doing out here so late?
Jasmine: (Lite chuckle) Waiting for you silly.
Shannon: ….Are you a student here, I don't recognize you.
Jasmine: No unfortunately, a place like this is a bit too expensive to get into, which is where I was hoping you could come in.
Shannon: Sorry but I'm not responsible for applications and entries, you should have your parents talk with principle Lewis, they maybe able to come to some sort of arrangement if price is an issue.
Jasmine: (Under breath, disdain) Parents. No, you are going to help and you don't have a choice in the matter.
Shannon: Pardon?
(Jasmine begins to walk towards Shannon)
Shannon: Young lady, I don't know how you thought this scenario would play out but I can assure you it won't end the way you thought it would.
(As Jasmine comes into range she takes out her cell phone and presses a button, suddenly bringing the phone up to Shannon's face a flash goes off, with Shannon momentarily stunned Jasmine grabs Shannon by the shoulder strap of his tank-top and with a firm grip rips off the front most part of his attire, continuing with her motion she then takes off her shirt just enough to expose her bra, she then tackles Shannon to the ground lying on top of him, quickly positioning her phone she takes a picture of them, then quicly leaps off of him as he swipes at her, Jasmine begins looking over the picture she's just taken as Shannon quickly leaps to his feet)
Jasmine: (Whistle) Nice abs, I can see why she likes playing with you.
(Shannon simply leers at Jasmine as he begins to walk towards her)
Jasmine: Those are some dastardly eyes you've got there mister, as much as I'd love the chance to mess-up her favorite toy, I honestly don't want to waste the time so-
Shannon: If you think that picture is enough to blackmail me then you're in for a rude awakening.
Jasmine: (Lite chuckle) So, you don't care for your reputation at this school huh, .... alright then, what about Bethony's?
(The threat stops Shannon in his tracks)
Shannon: ….What do you want?
Jasmine: (Chuckle) You must really care about her, ….alright here's what's going to happen, as long as you do as I say, I won't send this little problem to a couple of students I met earlier today, deal.
Shannon: ….
Jasmine: (Stern) I want to hear you say it.
Shannon: ….Deal.
Jasmine: Good, now, first things first.
(One week later, as Bethony is walking down the hall along side Alison another young girl shoves up against her, Bethony turns to apologies only to be caught off guard to see that it's Jasmine)
Bethony: Jasmine?!
Jasmine: Oh hi Bethony, I didn't know you went to this school, we should really catch up later, well I'd better get to class, (lite chuckle) wouldn't want to be late on my first day, bye for now.
(As Alison attempts regain Bethony's attention, Bethony watches Jasmine as she walks into Shannon's class room)
Bethony: Alison I-i'll catch-up with you later okay.
Alison: O-kay?
(Bethony begins moving towards the class Jasmine walked into)
Alison: Don't be late to class, I can't help you study if you don't know what your learning.
Bethony: Right.
(As Bethony enters the room she spots Jasmine sitting in the front row as Shannon is preparing to teach the class)
Shannon: Can I help you Ms. Rockwall?
Bethony: ….Mr. Alderman, could I talk to you out in the hall way, please.
(Just then Jasmine lightly taps her finger on the desk twice and a hidden somber expression grows across Shannon's face)
Shannon: ….I'm sorry Ms. Rockwall but as you can see my students have arrived and class will soon begin, I suggest you hurry to your classroom before the bell rings.
(A puzzled expression soon grows across Bethony's face as she attempts again to pull him away from his students)
Bethony: Mr. Alderman I really think its important that I talk to you now in private.
(A moment of silence passes and as Shannon continues writing on the board the bell signaling the start of class sounds)
Shannon: Your late for class Ms. Rockwall.
Bethony: Shannon?
Shannon: Ms. Rockwall please refrain from using my first name it isn't appropriate, now I'll need to write you a pass, give me a moment.
(As Shannon goes to his desk to write out a hall pass Bethony stands in the door way attempting to hide the distraught look on her face, seeing this Jasmine soon raises her hand)
Jasmine: Mr. Alderman.
Shannon: ….
Jasmine: (Stern) Mr. Alderman.
Shannon: ….Yes Ms. Bridges.
Jasmine: I was hoping I could escort Bethony to her class, after all I'm new to the school and I'm sure Bethony could help me understand the schools layout better while we're headed to her class.
(As Shannon hides his building frustration Jasmine taps on her desk again, Shannon then takes a deep breath which catches Bethony's attention)
Shannon: ….(Deep breath) That doesn't sound like a bad idea.
(Shannon then glares at Jasmine as he presents the hall pass)
Shannon: But I want you back in this room as soon as your done.
Jasmine: (Lite chuckle) Of course, thanks Mr. Alderman!
(Jasmine snatches the note out of Shannon's hand and runs over to Bethony, taking her by the arm she guides Bethony out of the room, later as Bethony and Jasmine are walking down the hallway Jasmine begins to circle around her)
Jasmine: Hey Bethony, are you okay, you seem a little upset?
Bethony: …..
Jasmine: Maybe "upset's" not the right word, pent-up?
(Bethony's frustration slowly begins to grow)
Jasmine: No, that's not right either, hmm…., I know its because Shannon ignored you.
(Bethony suddenly lunges at Jasmine pinning her against the lockers by her shoulder, as her fist is raised Jasmine simply gives a sinister smile)
Jasmine: What's wrong, (chuckle) did I strike a nerve, was it when used his first name, when I said "Shannon".
(Jasmine confidently tilts her head to the side narrowly avoiding Bethony's punch which leaves a deep dent in the locker behind her)
Jasmine: (Lite chuckle) Touchy sort aren't ya.
(Bethony pulls her fist out of the now broken and dented locker revealing several large cuts)
Jasmine: That looks like it hurts you should get to the nurses office and have that looked at, as for me....
(Jasmine slaps Bethony's hand off of her shoulder and begins walking back down the hall)
Jasmine: I've got class, try not to hurt yourself on the way there.
(Jasmine is soon gone leaving Bethony alone in the hallway stairing at her bleeding fist, later that day as the last of the students leave Jasmine walks in taking a seat on Shannon's desk)
Shannon: Where were you?
Jasmine: Ironically enough, I got lost, took me forever to find my way back here, but at least I avoided the lecture.
Shannon: Well my class is over now, your dismissed.
Jasmine: ….
Shannon: What now?
Jasmine: (Sigh) This isn't as exciting as I thought it would be, hmm....
(Saying nothing a conniving grin grows across Jasmine's face and she suddenly leaps off Shannon's desk towards him pinning him against the wall)
Shannon: (Silent frustration) What are you doing?
Jasmine: I have to say I'm a little curious about what she sees in you.
(Grasping Shannon's chin with her finger and thumb she forces him to face her)
Jasmine: I'm just dying to know.
(As she moves in closer, a faint almost unnoticeable glow radiates from Shannon's hand)
Shannon: This wasn't part of the "deal".
Jasmine: Be a good toy and stay still.
(Suddenly a loud bang is heard, looking in the direction of the noise the two see Bethony standing in the door way pulling her fist out of the wall)
Bethony: (Angered growl) Follow me.
Shannon: ….
Jasmine: (Whistle) Bethony, you seem serious, are you alright, (fake gasp) is it your hand, its not broken is it?
(Bethony remains silent and leaves the room with the two soon following behind, outside Jasmine looks towards the direction Bethony is leading and sees the old gym from yesterday, as they enter Bethony signals Shannon to stand behind her as she begins rolling up her sleeves while taking her stance, Jasmine moves to her position on the matt opposite of Bethony)
Jasmine: Gotta say I had other plans leading up to this point but I was starting to get board, though I can't say it wasn't fun while it lasted, ….hey I've got an idea how's about-
Bethony: (Stern) You talk too much.
(Bethony suddenly lunges at Jasmine with a flurry of strikes, Jasmine quickly matching her pace, soon countering her attacks and pushes Bethony away with a heavy shove, rolling on to her feet Bethony soon leaps towards Jasmine, while in the air she curls into a flip with an outstretched leg coming down with a devastating blow that's confidently avoided by Jasmine)
Jasmine: Wow Bethony, I have to say in our dojo match you kept me on my toes but look at you, your no better then a rabid bitch.
Bethony: SHUT UP!!
(Bethony charges in again striking at Jasmine's legs, Jasmine flips back evading the maneuver then charges at Bethony with a flurry of kicks forcing Bethony on the defensive, soon catching her off guard Jasmine launches a heavy kick sending Bethony to the ground, sitting back up Bethony's anger and frustration grows more and more until she looks over at Shannon and momentarily observes his calm and collected demeanor)
Jasmine: I gotta say I'm disappointed, this is such a waste of time, seriously, kinda glad you caught me in the act, then again.
(Jasmine then looks over at Shannon)
Jasmine: (Chuckle) Shame it had to end so soon.
(Jasmine looks back over at Bethony who is now standing)
Jasmine: Oh-ho, ready for round three?
Bethony: ….(Deep, long, calming breath)…. You talk too much.
(Bethony suddenly charges again only to stop mere inches infront of Jasmine, as Jasmine attempts to move back Bethony grabs her by the collar quickly pulling her in and striking the center of her chest with her forearm, stunned by the attack Bethony strikes again with a blade hand to Jasmines neck, as Jasmine is reeling from the attack Bethony delivers a swift kick to her stomach, Jasmine blocks this attack but doesn't notice the open palm strike to her forehead which stuns her again, taking this opportunity Bethony launches into a flurry of strikes ending with a throw to the ground, Jasmine now unable to move, can only watch as Bethony looms over her, Bethony takes Jasmine up by the head of her hair and raises her fist, before she follows through Bethony looks over towards Shannon who has maintained an unfazed calm demeanor, as Jasmine passes out she sees Bethony take a deep breath, later that day Jasmine wakes up unable to move in the nurses office)
Jasmine: W-where am I?
Nurse: Your in the clinic, I'm glade to see your awake.
Jasmine: Did Sh-, Mr. Alderman bring me here?
Nurse: No it was Ms. Rockwall, she said that she found you at the bottom of the stairwell, but don't worry, nothing was broken, and you don't appear to have a concussion, all and all I'd have to say your pretty lucky, I'll send the teachers an email detailing your nasty spill and inform them that you won't be attending class for a week.
Jasmine: ….Right....
(Later outside Shannon waits next to the school gate as Bethony walks towards him once she's close enough she punches him in the face drawing a bit of blood that runs down the corner of his mouth Bethony then grips his chin with her finger and thumb guiding him back towards her, wiping the blood away she kisses him deeply, Bethony then walks off as Shannon messages his jaw as he smiles)
Dismissed
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone