Apocalypsis 02 - Warpaint

further, though, because my students were showing up for their first lesson; and apparently it was a group of Miccosukee guys, headed by the gregarious Paci and rounded out by a subdued-looking Yokci. They were already putting each other into playful headlocks, so I knew it was going to be an energetic session.
    “I’ll talk to you about this stuff later, den,” said Bodo, standing next to me.
    I tried to be immune to and casual about his nearness, but it was tough. “Okay,” I said, taking a step away.
    “I’m gonna doodle on da house while you’re gone,” he said at my retreating back.
    I grinned at the horrified look on Peter’s face, as I walked past to join Paci and his friends.
    ***
    I had ten Miccosukee indians standing in front of me, most of them in various states of half-dress. I was pleased to see that most of them looked to be in pretty good physical shape. None of them were less than twice Peter’s size. The only ones I already knew were Paci, Yokci, and Kowi. I had already shown those three what I was capable of, so I knew they’d be open to whatever I had to say. From the others, I expected a little bit of a hard time at first. I’d have to get over that problem right from the start if our time together was going to be worth anything.
    “Okay, everyone. Uh, thanks for coming. I guess I’m going to be teaching you some krav maga today.”
    Several of them high-fived each other, one of them biting his lip and nodding his head suggestively after. Some just stood with their arms crossed. Others, including the guys I already knew, looked more relaxed and open. I decided the first order of business should be demonstrating the importance of body language.
    “You,” I said gesturing to the guy with his arms crossed. “You doubt me. You think either I don’t have what it takes, or that you could bring me down yourself with little effort.”
    He raised an eyebrow at me, smirking silently.
    “He wasn’t around to see you kick A,” said Paci.
    “And you,” I said, to the guy who had high-fived a friend. “You’re thinking you might get a feel on me if you’re lucky today.”
    The guy’s mouth opened but he said nothing. His friend shoved him and laughed.
    “Body language. I already know everything you’re thinking now. That makes you vulnerable. I know where to hurt you real easy if you’re stupid enough to tell me.”
    “I’ll bet you don’t know what I’m thinking,” said Paci, playfully.
    I lifted my chin at him once. “I’ll bet you I do. Wanna test me?”
    He held up his hands in surrender. “No way, man. Once was enough for me.”
    “Anyone else?” I challenged, looking each one of them in the eye. I was praying the guy with the smirk would take me up on it, and he didn’t disappoint.
    “I’ll take you. I’ve got no problem showing a girl a thing or two on the mat.”
    I took that to mean he either had wrestling or martial arts experience. Now he had two strikes against him - he’d given me way too much information and he assumed he was tougher than me.
    “What are you waiting for, then? Bring it.” I waved him over and the other guys got out of the way.
    He walked up casually as if he were waiting for some kind of formal start to the fight.
    I didn’t see the need, though. I strode up to him without stopping and put him immediately on the defensive. But he wasn’t quick enough. Like every guy who doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing, he stood there with his legs apart, looking for balance, assuming I wouldn’t go there. He lifted his hands up in a move I’d seen guys do who’d had some Kung Fu training.
    I telegraphed an obvious punch, but pulled it at the last second and brought up my leg, nailing him in the nads. He bent over in half, which brought his face down to my level, putting him in the perfect position for a couple of palm strikes. That sent him stumbling off to the side, and he valiantly tried to stay on his feet, but an elbow to the cheek and a hammer strike to his neck ended that plan in a hurry.
    He laid face down in the grass, writhing in pain.
    I wiped my forehead off and danced back and forth on my toes, my hands up for some straight punching action in case anyone decided to get stupid.
    “Anyone else wanna go?” I asked, looking at the high-fiver guy and his friends.
    No one took me up on my offer.
    “Yeah. I didn’t think so.” I stopped bouncing and dropped my arms. “You guys ready to train? Or you still want to goof around