Sparring

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 (Success x 1 at target 6) [how is she today...]

[Boy]

He'd made a promise to her. He wouldn't let her out of his sight. And he'd held through to that promise too. At first it was a tag along. Always there with her, by her side, probably sometimes when she didn't really want him there. Weeks went by and he wasn't as noticeable, but just when she thought he'd given up and wandered off he'd either appear at the corner of her eyes or she'd arrive wherever she was going and find him already there waiting for her. That changed a few days ago. Boy had disappeared from her sight. He wasn't lurking in the corners of her eyes. He wasn't anywhere she was going. For two days the only time she'd heard from him was in a phone call, and even then it was to ask her to go somewhere else, Gina's house in Bronzeville and clean up the gruesome mess of a slain kin. He wasn't there when she arrived. He didn't come in to check on the clean up. And when she'd asked the warders at the caern that night they simply said 'Oh him? He was just here.' But troubles pass, as La Familia well know. There's a certain comfort found in returning to routine. As was her routine, the ahroun elder would come to the Bawn. She would find her brother had already arrived at the place she was headed.

[Marrick]

He wouldn't let her out of his sight. For now, they were spending a lot more time together. They'd been in each other's presence, and at first it had been something like being under house arrest. At first, she had gotten irritable with him being there all the time. She'd tried to shake him. That first week, she had dragged him through more underwear stores and aisles of tampons than Boy probably dared to count. She stockpiled pregnancy tests in hopes to embarrass him away, and ended up returning htem later because she didn't really need pregnancy tests. After awhile, she gave up. After awhile, it became a fact. Marrick and Boy were close, they did not leave each other's presence often. Weeks went by and he was a shadow out of the corner of her eye. He was where she needed to be. It was like a game of tracking. More importantly, she found that this? THis was nice. Having a packmate close by. But a few days ago, he wasn't there. It made her nervous, made her concerned. She got a phone call asking for her to clean up some mess of a slain kin. Marrick remembered arriving, she remembered gathering up whatever was left of Maija and feeling her stomach turn. She scrubbed blood out of the carpet and walls as only someone who had shed too much of it would be able to. Marrick cried for her. For Gina. For all of them. On a certain level, she was grateful for this solidarity. As a Fury, protector of women and the wild, it hurt. It hurt in a way that she had not expected. She had not known this girl, but the horror spoke enough. The blood splatters and stains said enough. She was an ahroun. She spoke that language. Marrick, instead found herself looking for Boy. Time passed, and times went back to the way they were. She came to the bawn, like she did almost every day, and found that Boy was there to meet her. She grinned something bright and pleased. Silence. "... wanna see the challenge circle?" She grinned wider. Playful.

[Boy]

Boy looked tired. It had been a trying time for him. As much as Marrick had cried in solitude, Boy looked like a man who had been crying for days as well. He ran his hands through his hair when he saw Marrick approach, trying to get at least the image of order and togetherness to himself. His hair looked tussled. It should have. He'd been tugging at it for the past few days. His red rimmed eyes lit up when he she smiled, then glanced to the ground as the toe of his sneakers scratched at the dirt. "... wanna see the challenge circle?" Marrick asked. Boy smiled and nodded, and made to follow her to it.

[Marrick]

She bumped him with his hip and moved down the way. She didn't say anything while she moved, she didn't do much else except move on over to the challenge circle. She's seen the inside of this thing more than her fair share of times. She'd seen it and been defeated time and time again in front of numerous witnesses. She continued coming back, however. She was not resentful of the challenge circle. In fact, it looked to be becoming a place she found comforting. "You need to blow off steam," she announces. "No gifts. Breed form. We just pound the crap out of each other until one of us passes out." This, ladies and gentlemen, is how Marrick Fisher relieves stress: physical activity.

[Boy]

Boy gives an abrupt and complete huff of air at her announcement, and his eyebrows creep upward as he nods slowly. He did need to blow off steam. He needed it like nobody's business. Boy listened to the terms and nodded a singular, certain nod of agreement. He slipped his feet out of his sneakers and set them aside. The denim jacket that barely kept him warm was shrugged off and dropped into a pile on top of the shoes. The flask in his back pocket, now empty (again) was dropped onto the pile, and Boy stepped forward and entered the circle. Boy's bare feet scratched at the sand, kicking a cloud of dust behind him. He'd never been in the challenge circle. A part of him was disappointed at the fact. An when he was ready, he looked to his packmate expectantly.

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5 (6+1d10)

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5 Inits +6

[Marrick]

1a: punch! 1b: knee to the ribs, or a similar area 1c: elbow to the face! (called shot)

[Boy]

1a: Block 1b: Punch 1c: Sweep!

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 6, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) 1a: punch! dex3+brawl 4 = 7 - 3= 4, diff 6

[Boy]

Make that 1a: Block 1b: Sweep!

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 3 d10 ] 2, 7, 7 (Success x 2 at target 6) Block: Dex 3 + Brawl 2 - 2

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 8, 9 (Success x 2 at target 6) Sweep! -3

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 6 d10 ] 2, 3, 5, 6, 6, 9 (Success x 3 at target 6) dex+athletics, stay up!

[Marrick]

oh, crap, that was supposed to be diff 8. She only has 1 success: she goes DOWN!

[Marrick]

(action change at +1 diff) 1b: get up 1c: tackle him!

[Marrick]

(wait, strike that, spending the rest of her turn standing up)

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 1, 8 (Failure at target 4) (dex3+athletics3= 6 - 4 (split), diff 4 to get up)

[Marrick]

It's times like these that Boy might realize that she's not faster than he is. She's not stronger than he is. She's not any more or less endurant than he is, either. What she is, however, is this: she is well trained. While he was learning the Litany, she was getting the crap kicked out of her. She was being prepared for war. However, this is not to say that Boy wasn't. They were physically equal in so many regards, and it becomes abundantly clear in their actions. Marrick swings for a punch, and they are met with equal force. She swings, he clocks, he sweets? And she goes down. The sound of her body hitting the ground is not unline that of hearing laundry hit the ground or a bag of groceries. She hits. The sound is solid and it hits hard. It knocks the wind out of her, enough that getting up wasn't exactly happening. Marrick is on her back for a second, and finds herself staring at the sky. "Fuck," she sighs, "very nice."

[Boy]

They weren't equal in this sense. Marrick was an ahroun. A war-moon. This was what she was made for. But where she thought offensively, striking out to begin their sparring session, Boy's mind switched to the defensive. And then, to the turning advantage. Combat wasn't a major part of the philodox training, not compared to the ahroun's. But strategy? Strategy was everthing. "You've had me beat since rite of passage." He huffs. This was as much about learning as it was about therapy. "But you can't fight me from your back!" And he lunges forward as the two engage again.

[Marrick]

"'course I can," she tells him with a grin, "I jus' gotta figure out how."

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 1 (6+1d10)

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 4 6

[Marrick]

(withhold action for now)

[Boy]

1a: Kick 1b: Kick again

[Marrick]

Action! 1a: roll out of the way (+1 diff) 1b: get up (+1 diff) 1c: kick! (+1 diff)

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 3 d10 ] 5, 6, 7 (Success x 2 at target 6) Kick! -2 for split, Diff -1 for prone

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 3, 4 (Failure at target 7) (dodge! dex3+dodge2= 5 - 3 = 2, diff 7

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 6, 6, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6) damage: Str+1

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 4, 6, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) soak!

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 1, 3 (Botch x 1 at target 6) Kick again! -3, diff -1

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 2 (Failure at target 6) 1 die missing from that damage roll

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 7) Botched kick = Roll to stay up at diff 7

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 1, 6 (Failure at target 4) Get up, difficulty 4.

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 5, 10 (Success x 2 at target 9) [WP] still going to kick him, +1 diff for being down

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 4, 7, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 4 at target 6) damage: st3+1+1

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 2, 3, 10, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) Soak

[Marrick]

Marrick attempted to roll out of the way, or at lest she thought about it and her body said no. The sound her ribs made when kicked was not unlike a drum. Marrick didn't qince, or give much of an indication that she was pained by any means. She looked at Boy from the ground, and attempted to get up... which was fruitless in and of itself. So, in a moment of frustration, she kicked him in the shin. Hard.

[Boy]

Anyone else looking on might think it cruel that the Alpha would kick his own packmate while she was down. But this wasn't play. It was simulation. They had to be ready. And they also had to know to make full use of their advantages. But for his ruthless ferocity, Boy regretted taking off his shoes for a moment. On his second swing his foot slipped. He'd barely regained his balance when Marrick's leg kicked out violently, making contact with his sensitive shin. There was a sudden grunt of pain. Pain. He'd almost forgotten what that was like. The reminder was good. Under his jeans his homid skin bled slightly. This was good. They would continue.

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 2 [+6]

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 7 (6+1d10)

[Boy]

1a: Kick again 1b: Kick some more

[Marrick]

1a: Get. Up. Already 1b: Boot to the head (called kick to the head, she's being adventurous)

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 4, 6, 8 (Success x 3 at target 4) 1a: dex3+athletics3= 6-2, diff 4

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 1, 4, 7, 10 (Failure at target 9) [WP] Re-rolls: 1 1b: boot to the head: dex3+brawl4= 7 - 3= 4, diff +2 (to the head!)

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 3 d10 ] 1, 2, 7 (Failure at target 7) Kick -2 for split

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 4, 5 (Failure at target 7) Kick -3 for split

[Marrick]

To a certain degree, this was play for her. This was a simulation in combat, where she didn't have to worry about what happens if she gets adventurous. You go for the old standards, and while easy, don't test one's limits. The kick is lovely, but ends up shy of its target. She is surprisingly balanced. They both miss. She is soon standing on her feet, hands on her hips, looking dissapointed. "... so, being ambitious? There's a time and place."

[Boy]

Physical activity indeed. Boy hesitated for a moment when Marrick, twisted and exhorted herself and wound up on her feet. There was a moment where his stomach twisted as her foot swung just past his head. He answers back, swinging his own legs high. Turning and kicking as she'd seen her do, or imagined she would. Both legs swing past her without hitting their mark. With a huffed breath, Boy considered her standing akimbo. Sweat dripped fro both their brows. "Well. At least you're trying to make them count."

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5 6

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 1 6+1d10

[Marrick]

(all actions are blocks!)

[Boy]

1a: Takedown! 1b: Punch to the nose/face (called)

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 2 d10 ] 5, 10 (Success x 1 at target 6) Takedown: Str + Brawl, -1 for wounds, -2 fr split

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 5, 7, 8 (Success x 2 at target 6) Stay up

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 5, 8, 8 (Success x 2 at target 7) Dex3+athletics3= 6 - 2 for split, diff 7

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 3 d10 ] 2, 4, 5 (Failure at target 6) Damage: str+ suxx-1

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 6 (Success x 1 at target 6) PUNCH TO THE FACE! Dex+Brawl -1 for wound, -3 for split

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 6, 7, 7, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 6 at target 6) Block

[Marrick]

1a: punch in the face (called shot) 1b: another punch to the face (called shot) all at +1 diff

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 5 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 4, 6 (Failure at target 9) 1a: dex3+brawl4= 7 - 2, diff 6 +2 (called) +1 (diff change)

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 2, 6, 8, 8 (Failure at target 9) sam thing!

[Boy]

Boy threw himself at his sister, hoping to knock her to the ground with the weight of his own body. But the only thing it does is cause them both to spin around, and cause Boy to look like an idiot. He recovers, and flails wildly, trying land his fist onto Marrick's nose and missing pathetically.

[Marrick]

She swung at him, but she was not playing it safe. her shots were poised and ready, but they were not hitting the way that they should If they had been safer shots, she would have hit him. She would have nailed him something square and solid, but this time? Not so much. Thus far, they aren't having much luck dispatching each other.

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 6 6

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 5 6+1d10

[Marrick]

action: kick him in the head again! You can MAKE it!

[Boy]

Declare: Grapple and Clinch!

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 3, 4, 7, 7 (Success x 2 at target 6) Dex+Brawl to Clinch! -1 for wounds

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 10 (Success x 1 at target 6) str3+4= breaking free! freeeedooooom!

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 9, 9, 10 (Success x 4 at target 8) Re-rolls: 1 (headbutt! diff 7 + 1 (action change))

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 8 d10 ] 1, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6 (Failure at target 6) damage: str3+succ3+damage2

[Marrick]

Marrick throws her head back, but it does little good. It's a solid hit that does little more than make a pretty sound. An exercise in solid execution, but poor followthrough

[Boy]

Ambition was one thing. But sometimes it was desperation that paid off. Boy threw himself forward again, but this time instead of looking a fool, he wraps his arms around Marrick, locking his grip on his wrist and holding her tight. Too tight to attack. Except for her head. Its a beautiful thing really, the flash of hair and sweat that drifts back slightly, the suddenly plummets forward. But the blow barely grazes him.

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 3 [+6]

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 4 6+1d10

[Boy]

Clinch = SQUEEEEZE!

[Marrick]

headbutt again!

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7 (Success x 2 at target 6) Want OUT! Str_brawl

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 3, 8, 8, 9, 9 (Success x 3 at target 7) Headbutt!

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 3, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9 (Success x 6 at target 6) Damage: str3+damage2+nondodge2= 7

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 5, 6, 9, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6) Soak

[Marrick]

She nailed him. It was something hard and probably left his nose feeling particularly sore. The Fury was taut and tense, she was ready. When he Fury threw her head back, she was prepared for battle. And it was clear that it was not finesse that was her strongest suit, but desperation. She turned with blood on the back of her head, and was ready for another round. He was stunned. She took her opportuntiy.

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 3, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) Action! punch for the sake of punching!

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 1, 3, 7, 8 (Success x 1 at target 6) damage!

[Boy]

Dice Rolled:[ 4 d10 ] 4, 5, 8, 10 (Success x 2 at target 6) Soak

[Boy]

That headbutt left Boy reeling. He clutched at his face as the blood gushed from his nose and lip, an intense, blinding pain leaving him good for little more than staggering and moaning. He's only barely aware of what should have been a finishing blow nudging him on the side of his head. He shakes it off, literally, and splatters blood from side to side as he does so. Boy's eyes focus on Marrick's figure, and a voice full of pain and frustration says: "Damnit Marrick, make it count." And he's back at it once again.

[Marrick]

Dice Rolled:[ 1 d10 ] 4 "I know-" she says in an exasperated voice "-what the fuck!? Way to wuss out, Bones." (6+1d10)