He and Hammer rarely spoke during their runs and instead used each other to pace themselves. They were the clearly the strongest and fittest of the Pipers; their age thankfully aiding instead of hindering them. The Pipers could keep up with Brig's fast pace, but not near as long as Hammer could, and Brig enjoyed the fast run through the Tikerak, hitting the same trails he and his cousin always used.
Brig had missed the morning runs, followed by breakfast with Hammer. He was trying to pick up where they had left off, but it was strained. It would take more than destroying Viv's apartment and true confessions to fix the rift...the rift Brig had caused. He admitted that now. It had been selfish of Brig to react the way he had, but the death of his baby brother had been hard him, Hammer knew that, and the betrayal mixed with the secrecy was just too much to handle at once.
They came to the last two miles of the run, seeing the edge of the clearing that led to the back end of the Den. They both broke out into full out sprints at the sight of the clearing, pushing each other but staying neck and neck. They passed the exercise pad where the Pipers were gathering after their run at full speed when he heard the Pipers begin to roar, cheering them on. Red ran out ahead of them and held his hands out to the side; his eyes squeezed shut, fearing the worst. Brig felt his thighs burning as they closed the distance and passed Red doing easily thirty five miles an hour.
They came to a screeching halt, kicking up dirt and breathing heavily. Bending over to catch his breath, Brig looked up at Hammer who was off to the side, doing the same. He felt his smile come back, now finally being able to look at Hammer without wanting to break something. Straightening, Hammer walked up to him and pushed Brig's face to the side playfully.
"God we are old," Brig said laughing as he followed Hammer back to the Pipers.
"You're older," Hammer said with a grin.
"Dick," Brig snorted.
That was just a love tap, yo.
Continues from Cajun Chicken...
Hammer lifted his arms and pulled one behind his head, stretching out the sore muscles along his shoulders and back. He took the steps down from his apartment floor in running sneakers, gray sweats and a sleeveless t-shirt tucked into the back of his sweats; hem first, so it flapped behind him. It was five am and he was heading out to his run the morning after dinner at Vivienne's apartment.
He was covered in soft, yellowing bruises. They were centered on his kidneys and solar plexus; his bottom lip was split but already healing and the bridge of his nose had been cracked, but taken care of by his son. Brig did a decent job on him, but as he exited out the back porch doors of the Den, he saw the damage he had done to his cousin who was standing on the edge of the grass, waiting for him.
Wordlessly Hammer pushed through the glass doors, stopping as it closed behind him. Brig turned and looked at him, uncrossing his arms. His face was covered in yellowing bruises as well, a cut above his left eye that was closed and healing, various bruises along his arms, and his hands sporting more healing fighter bites along his knuckles.
Hammer slowly walked up to Brig who put his hands on his hips and looked back at him. Hammer looked at his watch and started the timer. Brig took off at the sound of the beep, forcing Hammer to curse and run after him.
It had been since Hammer's disclosure about Lily and Xeph since he and Brig had run together. Every morning they did their twenty mile run and then ate breakfast. The run they could do in just over an hour and a half, but with Brig taking off at full speed, Hammer wagered they'd break their record. Hammer easily caught up to his cousin and they paced their run at approximately twenty five miles an hour.
Hammer looked over at Brig who had a concentrated look on his face, like always during runs, and Hammer could not help himself but smile.
Brig Jameson
14 years ago
Lothias LT Jameson
14 years ago
"Oh thank god," LT said quietly under his breath as he watched the Beta and Commander walk back toward the group. Charlie stood next to LT, arms crossed and sighed happily.
"Think it's over?" Charlie asked, turning his face away from LT so only he could hear.
LT watched as the two men gravitated closer to one other, side by side, laughing at a private joke. By now the Commander would've jumped on the Beta, putting him in a head lock or just goofing around with him, but at least they were running together again. It had been almost three months since LT had seen them together, much less joking with one another.
"Well, it's better, at least," LT replied as Red ran back to the group and held up both hands.
"Tie," Red declared to shouts of 'bullshit' since bets had obviously been made. "No lie, my hookers. Total tie."
The wind blew, bringing a cold chill to the exercise pad. LT felt the shiver of fall ending and winter making its way from the north. Suddenly his uncle turned and looked out behind him. Vivienne was making her way up to exercise pad, dressed in her therian-weave, but ipad in hand. He waited for her to breach the edge of the exercise circle where they were standing when LT made the announcement.
"Who's up for an ass beating?" he smiled brightly, ready to play.
"Think it's over?" Charlie asked, turning his face away from LT so only he could hear.
LT watched as the two men gravitated closer to one other, side by side, laughing at a private joke. By now the Commander would've jumped on the Beta, putting him in a head lock or just goofing around with him, but at least they were running together again. It had been almost three months since LT had seen them together, much less joking with one another.
"Well, it's better, at least," LT replied as Red ran back to the group and held up both hands.
"Tie," Red declared to shouts of 'bullshit' since bets had obviously been made. "No lie, my hookers. Total tie."
The wind blew, bringing a cold chill to the exercise pad. LT felt the shiver of fall ending and winter making its way from the north. Suddenly his uncle turned and looked out behind him. Vivienne was making her way up to exercise pad, dressed in her therian-weave, but ipad in hand. He waited for her to breach the edge of the exercise circle where they were standing when LT made the announcement.
"Who's up for an ass beating?" he smiled brightly, ready to play.
Vivienne Sena
14 years ago
Viv rubbed her full tummy as she walked out of the Den and onto the Tikerak grounds to find the Pipers after their run. Breakfast had been delicious, so much so she had seconds...then thirds. Is this what love did to you? Made you incredibly hungry and ultimately a little heavy in the rump?
"Man, I gotta lay off those hash browns," she said, walking slowly in her blue Therian-weave and matching boots.
Coming up to the edge of the back porch, Vivienne considered doing her yoga, but decided against it. Maybe she'd hit that yoga class that evening or the next day. Yeah, she'd call Carol, she decided.
With her ipad in hand, she made her way out to the exercise pad, sniffing the air. The wind was blowing in from the north, bringing with it colder air and it was assaulting her sinuses. Still, winter smelled clean and glorious.
Rounding the corner, she caught the smell of kicked up dirt and saw Hammer and Brig walking to the exercise grounds with their backs to her. They had apparently run together this morning, and by the way they walked side-by-side, things were on the mend.
"God, finally," she murmured.
Brig had not come back to her apartment last night, not after destroying her living and dining room. Hammer had surprised her, in so many ways. He had insisted on helping her clean up the mess, but after crying into his ripped up shirt, she shooed him out of her apartment to take care of his cuts and bruises. She kept her window shut, not really feeling like dealing with Brig, but appreciated his effort as she found a safe place for her orchid to try and survive.
Turning her ipad face up, she logged into the wifi and sent a message to her father, asking him to call her at his convenience. He'd be pleased that the broken fences had been mended or at least were on the mend. The wind blew in from behind her, undoubtedly carrying her scent to Brig. Then, with the message sent, she looked up and saw Brig watching her.
Slowly she walked up to the exercise circle, hearing LT announce it was time for sparring, in a more colorful way though. She set the ipad down on one of the benches and stood off to the side, watching the men silently.
"Man, I gotta lay off those hash browns," she said, walking slowly in her blue Therian-weave and matching boots.
Coming up to the edge of the back porch, Vivienne considered doing her yoga, but decided against it. Maybe she'd hit that yoga class that evening or the next day. Yeah, she'd call Carol, she decided.
With her ipad in hand, she made her way out to the exercise pad, sniffing the air. The wind was blowing in from the north, bringing with it colder air and it was assaulting her sinuses. Still, winter smelled clean and glorious.
Rounding the corner, she caught the smell of kicked up dirt and saw Hammer and Brig walking to the exercise grounds with their backs to her. They had apparently run together this morning, and by the way they walked side-by-side, things were on the mend.
"God, finally," she murmured.
Brig had not come back to her apartment last night, not after destroying her living and dining room. Hammer had surprised her, in so many ways. He had insisted on helping her clean up the mess, but after crying into his ripped up shirt, she shooed him out of her apartment to take care of his cuts and bruises. She kept her window shut, not really feeling like dealing with Brig, but appreciated his effort as she found a safe place for her orchid to try and survive.
Turning her ipad face up, she logged into the wifi and sent a message to her father, asking him to call her at his convenience. He'd be pleased that the broken fences had been mended or at least were on the mend. The wind blew in from behind her, undoubtedly carrying her scent to Brig. Then, with the message sent, she looked up and saw Brig watching her.
Slowly she walked up to the exercise circle, hearing LT announce it was time for sparring, in a more colorful way though. She set the ipad down on one of the benches and stood off to the side, watching the men silently.
Iov Hammerthynn
14 years ago
Hammer had pulled on his shirt halfway through the run and now took it back off again to wipe the sweat off his face and chest. LT looked at him, inviting him into the circle but he just shook his head. If the bruises and healing cuts on him and Brig were any indication, they had enough fighting for at least a couple days.
They watched as LT stood alone in the circle, the men trying to decide on who would fight the LT first when the sergeant pulled rank and took the spot. Silent bets were placed, but Hammer was fairly certain that the Lieutenant would be able to take his opponent. Anything less than a satisfactory beating would be insulting to the LT.
"LT," Brig murmured quietly to Hammer.
"Without a doubt."
They watched as LT stood alone in the circle, the men trying to decide on who would fight the LT first when the sergeant pulled rank and took the spot. Silent bets were placed, but Hammer was fairly certain that the Lieutenant would be able to take his opponent. Anything less than a satisfactory beating would be insulting to the LT.
"LT," Brig murmured quietly to Hammer.
"Without a doubt."
Brig Jameson
14 years ago
Brig stood next to Hammer, wiping the sweat off his face with the bottom of his shirt. He looked in Viv's direction, who was smiling to herself, looking at the ground. He did that on purpose, seeing how it affected her the last time he pulled his shirt up and exposed his stomach. It was runs like the one he and Hammer just had that kept him in shape, especially now that he had been doing them daily with the men. Everyone was in top form now, but he knew he ran them ragged, physically and psychologically exhausting them. They all deserved time off and he'd announce it after breakfast, he decided.
Charlie stepped into the circle, which really didn't surprise him. They had not sparred in some months and it was time to see if Charlie had improved since their rigorous work outs. The Sergeant took his shirt off, as did LT, and the difference in muscle tone from months ago was impressive on both men. Brig's eyes flicked over to Viv. She was concentrating on the two men, her eyes hard and focused. He felt the guilt rise up in his gullet, half expecting her to be watching Charlie with greater than professional interest. Brig has never doubted his sexual appeal or confidence, but then Viv was different; definitely worth holding on to.
Red took two steps into the circle and counted down from three, starting the fight at GO. Immediately LT and Charlie came at each other, each using mixed martial arts, utilizing the power in their long legs with an occasional boxing move from Charlie, catching LT square in the jaw twice.
Brig saw Viv stand motionless in the corner of his eye while the other men jumped, hollered, and generally acted like young men. Turning his head, he realized what she was doing.
Charlie stepped into the circle, which really didn't surprise him. They had not sparred in some months and it was time to see if Charlie had improved since their rigorous work outs. The Sergeant took his shirt off, as did LT, and the difference in muscle tone from months ago was impressive on both men. Brig's eyes flicked over to Viv. She was concentrating on the two men, her eyes hard and focused. He felt the guilt rise up in his gullet, half expecting her to be watching Charlie with greater than professional interest. Brig has never doubted his sexual appeal or confidence, but then Viv was different; definitely worth holding on to.
Red took two steps into the circle and counted down from three, starting the fight at GO. Immediately LT and Charlie came at each other, each using mixed martial arts, utilizing the power in their long legs with an occasional boxing move from Charlie, catching LT square in the jaw twice.
Brig saw Viv stand motionless in the corner of his eye while the other men jumped, hollered, and generally acted like young men. Turning his head, he realized what she was doing.
Vivienne Sena
14 years ago
Viv's eyes unfocused as she used her jungle sense to gauge which man had the stronger presence. It shifted from LT, to Charlie, but then to LT again as he delivered several powerful kicks, putting Charlie down in the dirt. Narrowing her eyes, she focused in on LT, watching his moves, letting her observational learning memorize the distance, power, applicable defensive and offensive moves against each kick, hit, and grapple. Charlie was getting winded, losing his edge as LT continued to pummel him, catching him off guard. Charlie was not to be counted out though - compared to the others, Viv had already gone through the arsenal of defensive moves she picked up from the other Pipers against her mental reaction to Charlie. His ranking within her jungle sense fluctuated between third and fourth position (Hammer and Brig neck and neck within her estimation as well), but the other Pipers were nowhere near as strong or as powerful. Everyone had their own specialty: Domingo and knives, Marko and brute force, Lewis and Dougie paired together would put any ultimate fighter in a coma, but Piper leadership was overall masters in every weapon, every hand-to-hand skill, or close contact combat.
The fight finally ended, after a good five minutes, with LT's insane stamina holding out longer than Charlie's and a well placed kick to Charlie's solar plexus, LT sent Charlie back a good twenty feet to the opposite side of the circle.
Viv watched LT, looking for subtle clues to his weakness, which admittedly she found very little. He was completely in the game, not distracted at all by anyone or anything.
"Oh," she said quietly, feeling the light bulb above her head flash brightly.
The fight finally ended, after a good five minutes, with LT's insane stamina holding out longer than Charlie's and a well placed kick to Charlie's solar plexus, LT sent Charlie back a good twenty feet to the opposite side of the circle.
Viv watched LT, looking for subtle clues to his weakness, which admittedly she found very little. He was completely in the game, not distracted at all by anyone or anything.
"Oh," she said quietly, feeling the light bulb above her head flash brightly.
Lothias LT Jameson
14 years ago
The flurry of adrenaline in him pushed the wolf to the edge of his control as he was finally able to keep Charlie down. His best friend lay on his back on the edge of the circle, breathing deeply and wincing painfully. Shaking his head clear, LT straightened up and immediately ran over to Charlie and helped him up with Red and Lewis.
"You ok Charlie?" LT asked without a trace of smugness. Sparring was fun, and they were competitive, but in the end they were all still Pipers.
"Jesus...Christ," Charlie moaned as they lifted him up. Standing on his own two feet, Charlie swayed but slapped away the hands. "You...suck," he said with a laugh.
LT reached out and they clasped hands. "That was just a love tap, man."
Charlie grumbled at him and then walked on his own power back to the edge of the circle, refusing to take a seat. LT was fairly certain he broke a rib or two on Charlie, but he'd be fine in a couple hours.
"Hey, I brought some Tylenol!" Domingo yelled out, shaking a bottle.
"Oooh, not nice," LT laughed as he turned to look at his uncle who was curiously watching Vivienne. Looking at her, LT saw the controlled expression on her face and her eyes were looking directly at him, searching down from his feet to his head. Finally she looked into LT's eyes and smiled.
Raising his eyebrows, he smiled back at Vivienne. Taking several deep breaths, he walked over to her with his hands on his hips.
"Impressive," Vivienne said.
LT's eyes narrowed. Pointing at her he said, "No, Vivienne."
"Come on, LT,' the Beta called out.
"She's just a girl," his uncle finished.
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. "You were watching me."
"Me? Noooo," she replied, smile still intact.
The hooting and hollering started up again, especially when Viv side stepped him and entered the center of the ring. With his back still to her, he lowered his head and sighed. Turning back, he looked back at Vivienne who was standing on the opposite side of the circle looking especially small in her dark blue Therian-Weave and braided dark hair.
"I won't hold back, Vivienne," he warned slowly walking back to the circle to take his place.
"Just not the face, LT. I got a date tonight."
Red stepped into the circle holding his hand up, waiting for the bets to be placed. LT wiped at his face with his bare arm and hunched over, protecting his center after having watched his uncle take a direct kick to the stomach with his fight with Vivienne, and fully anticipated her not waiting for the count.
"Should I even bother counting?" Red asked laughing. The Beta shook his head at Red. Shrugging, Red yelled out, "Ok, GO!"
"You ok Charlie?" LT asked without a trace of smugness. Sparring was fun, and they were competitive, but in the end they were all still Pipers.
"Jesus...Christ," Charlie moaned as they lifted him up. Standing on his own two feet, Charlie swayed but slapped away the hands. "You...suck," he said with a laugh.
LT reached out and they clasped hands. "That was just a love tap, man."
Charlie grumbled at him and then walked on his own power back to the edge of the circle, refusing to take a seat. LT was fairly certain he broke a rib or two on Charlie, but he'd be fine in a couple hours.
"Hey, I brought some Tylenol!" Domingo yelled out, shaking a bottle.
"Oooh, not nice," LT laughed as he turned to look at his uncle who was curiously watching Vivienne. Looking at her, LT saw the controlled expression on her face and her eyes were looking directly at him, searching down from his feet to his head. Finally she looked into LT's eyes and smiled.
Raising his eyebrows, he smiled back at Vivienne. Taking several deep breaths, he walked over to her with his hands on his hips.
"Impressive," Vivienne said.
LT's eyes narrowed. Pointing at her he said, "No, Vivienne."
"Come on, LT,' the Beta called out.
"She's just a girl," his uncle finished.
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. "You were watching me."
"Me? Noooo," she replied, smile still intact.
The hooting and hollering started up again, especially when Viv side stepped him and entered the center of the ring. With his back still to her, he lowered his head and sighed. Turning back, he looked back at Vivienne who was standing on the opposite side of the circle looking especially small in her dark blue Therian-Weave and braided dark hair.
"I won't hold back, Vivienne," he warned slowly walking back to the circle to take his place.
"Just not the face, LT. I got a date tonight."
Red stepped into the circle holding his hand up, waiting for the bets to be placed. LT wiped at his face with his bare arm and hunched over, protecting his center after having watched his uncle take a direct kick to the stomach with his fight with Vivienne, and fully anticipated her not waiting for the count.
"Should I even bother counting?" Red asked laughing. The Beta shook his head at Red. Shrugging, Red yelled out, "Ok, GO!"
Vivienne Sena
14 years ago
The trouble with fighting LT wasn't because he would be holding back; Viv knew he wouldn't be. There was no reason to hold back since he knew she could defensively handle anything he threw at her; it was because he had seen her fight, unlike Brig at the time. Straight up surprise wasn't going to work for the initial attack, either. She would have to wait for him to come to her...and he knew that.
LT would be using both his arms, legs, and fists but she wagered he might concentrate on getting her in bear hug, and if he did that, she was done. He'd squeeze her till something broke and no amount of kicking or hitting was going to stop him. Her options sucked...actually she had no options, and it was this thought that hung in front of her when LT came at her like a bullet.
"Oh shit," she yelped. He had purposely stepped closer to her than his uncle had; using his starting off position to take her by surprise and grapple her to the ground so just moving out of the way wasn't going to work. Instinctively, Viv fell back and became as small as possible, lifting her right leg up to catch him in the pelvic bone, launching him over her. Twisting to face him, he was already in motion on his way over her to pin her to the ground. Viv opened her legs in a V and captured his fist, breaking its momentum and pinning his right arm as she swung her left leg over to the opposite side of his neck. Applying enough pressure would break his arm and she didn't think Carol would appreciate that. She did, however, take her right heel and slam it into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and giving her time to get out from under him.
Twisting behind her, Viv propelled herself forward, flipping and landing on her three points - her feet and left hand, waiting for him to come at her again, and he did. LT would keep coming and coming and coming, until he had worn her down. It was his main strength, his tenacity; ferocious like a badger. He was forcing her to defend herself rather than use any type of offensive move to pacify him. Viv realized she had run out of options the second he agreed to fight her.
His left foot came at her head, more powerful and quicker than anything she had ever seen. Again she twisted defensively, just barely missing it and the elbow he swung back in one fluid motion. He was making her dizzy, spinning her left, right, left right...oh the sneaky bastard, she thought to herself.
"Fuck this," she muttered and caught his arm in mid motion, wind milling at her, stepping into it and breaking its momentum and slammed her right elbow across his face and returned it with equal force, back across his jaw. Oh she'd feel that in the morning; her bone vibrated like her funny bone had been triggered, but she drew blood from his nose, then from his mouth with a move that took less than a second and a half. LT reached out and grabbed her with his left arm and again she twisted, bringing her left elbow up to connect with his head, only he was ready for it and caught it. Swinging her momentum in the opposite direction, he did not anticipate her breaking that hold and kicking her leg up and hooking it around his neck letting her inertia knock him off balance, coming down on him with her opposite knee. She managed to get in two punches, splitting his lip again, but all it did was make him mad.
His scent was acidic with adrenaline and rage. For as controlled a fighter that he was, he was barely hanging onto his wolf side, feeding off it. LT came up off the ground, at her again. It took everything to avoid his hands, rolling over his lunge and landing on her feet behind him. She backed up with one hand behind her and stayed low to the ground as LT turned and looked at her, standing tall. He was breathing hard and bleeding from his mouth and nose. Shaking her head, the scent of the blood made her dizzy and the taste of her own was pushing her to the edge as well.
They stood there, motionless for maybe all of five seconds, but it felt longer as Viv took all that was left in her and rushed him, one last time.
LT would be using both his arms, legs, and fists but she wagered he might concentrate on getting her in bear hug, and if he did that, she was done. He'd squeeze her till something broke and no amount of kicking or hitting was going to stop him. Her options sucked...actually she had no options, and it was this thought that hung in front of her when LT came at her like a bullet.
"Oh shit," she yelped. He had purposely stepped closer to her than his uncle had; using his starting off position to take her by surprise and grapple her to the ground so just moving out of the way wasn't going to work. Instinctively, Viv fell back and became as small as possible, lifting her right leg up to catch him in the pelvic bone, launching him over her. Twisting to face him, he was already in motion on his way over her to pin her to the ground. Viv opened her legs in a V and captured his fist, breaking its momentum and pinning his right arm as she swung her left leg over to the opposite side of his neck. Applying enough pressure would break his arm and she didn't think Carol would appreciate that. She did, however, take her right heel and slam it into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and giving her time to get out from under him.
Twisting behind her, Viv propelled herself forward, flipping and landing on her three points - her feet and left hand, waiting for him to come at her again, and he did. LT would keep coming and coming and coming, until he had worn her down. It was his main strength, his tenacity; ferocious like a badger. He was forcing her to defend herself rather than use any type of offensive move to pacify him. Viv realized she had run out of options the second he agreed to fight her.
His left foot came at her head, more powerful and quicker than anything she had ever seen. Again she twisted defensively, just barely missing it and the elbow he swung back in one fluid motion. He was making her dizzy, spinning her left, right, left right...oh the sneaky bastard, she thought to herself.
"Fuck this," she muttered and caught his arm in mid motion, wind milling at her, stepping into it and breaking its momentum and slammed her right elbow across his face and returned it with equal force, back across his jaw. Oh she'd feel that in the morning; her bone vibrated like her funny bone had been triggered, but she drew blood from his nose, then from his mouth with a move that took less than a second and a half. LT reached out and grabbed her with his left arm and again she twisted, bringing her left elbow up to connect with his head, only he was ready for it and caught it. Swinging her momentum in the opposite direction, he did not anticipate her breaking that hold and kicking her leg up and hooking it around his neck letting her inertia knock him off balance, coming down on him with her opposite knee. She managed to get in two punches, splitting his lip again, but all it did was make him mad.
His scent was acidic with adrenaline and rage. For as controlled a fighter that he was, he was barely hanging onto his wolf side, feeding off it. LT came up off the ground, at her again. It took everything to avoid his hands, rolling over his lunge and landing on her feet behind him. She backed up with one hand behind her and stayed low to the ground as LT turned and looked at her, standing tall. He was breathing hard and bleeding from his mouth and nose. Shaking her head, the scent of the blood made her dizzy and the taste of her own was pushing her to the edge as well.
They stood there, motionless for maybe all of five seconds, but it felt longer as Viv took all that was left in her and rushed him, one last time.
Lothias LT Jameson
14 years ago
LT was drunk with adrenaline and focused rage. He had come at her repeatedly for the past...god he had no idea how long. But for as winded as he was, he could see Vivienne was at the end of her rope. Twice her size, more lung capacity, and heightened stamina was more than enough to beat her down with her own exhaustion, but she was so much faster than he realized and the Elder Hammerthynn had taught her well.
As he stood slowly, watching Vivienne from fifteen feet off, he drew in a deep breath, tasting her scent. It was thick and mesmerizing, full bodied and acidic. He had prevented her from doing anything offensive, keeping her on the defensive till she wore herself out, and as he watched her take deep breaths, trying to orient herself, he knew the fight was about over. It wasn't a fight to see who would win, but how long Vivienne could hold out. So when she finally came at him, he knew it was over.
For as short as she was compared to him, she managed high kicks without any faltering at all. She used her strongest points - her elbows and knees, to deliver bone crushing blows that some of the Pipers couldn't possibly defend against. For a psychologist, Viv fought with undoubtedly Vyusher R'asa tenacity and Hammerthynn skills, but she was just too small. LT blocked her hits, taking painful damage to his arms and upper legs, but finally she slowed down, just long enough for him to grab her.
LT rushed her, throwing his weight against her small body and knocked her off balance, slipping on the dirt beneath them, but he caught her, with his arms around her ribs and picked her up the ground and lifted her high, too high to use her knee against him with any type of torque.
Then he squeezed.
As he stood slowly, watching Vivienne from fifteen feet off, he drew in a deep breath, tasting her scent. It was thick and mesmerizing, full bodied and acidic. He had prevented her from doing anything offensive, keeping her on the defensive till she wore herself out, and as he watched her take deep breaths, trying to orient herself, he knew the fight was about over. It wasn't a fight to see who would win, but how long Vivienne could hold out. So when she finally came at him, he knew it was over.
For as short as she was compared to him, she managed high kicks without any faltering at all. She used her strongest points - her elbows and knees, to deliver bone crushing blows that some of the Pipers couldn't possibly defend against. For a psychologist, Viv fought with undoubtedly Vyusher R'asa tenacity and Hammerthynn skills, but she was just too small. LT blocked her hits, taking painful damage to his arms and upper legs, but finally she slowed down, just long enough for him to grab her.
LT rushed her, throwing his weight against her small body and knocked her off balance, slipping on the dirt beneath them, but he caught her, with his arms around her ribs and picked her up the ground and lifted her high, too high to use her knee against him with any type of torque.
Then he squeezed.
Vivienne Sena
14 years ago
She was just too tired. LT had worked her harder and faster than anyone in a long time. In her mind's eye, he was easily level with Hammer and Brig in skills, plus he had his youth to only get better. Viv had no doubt LT would get his own team before Brig stood down as The Alpha's Commander. Knowing there was no way she could ever beat him, she let him win.
LT scooped her up immediately into the fabled 'bear hug', squeezing the air out of her and forcing her to grunt loudly in pain, her back arching, trying to alleviate the intense pain. All she had to do was tap out. One little tap on his shoulder. That's it. But that wasn't how Hammerthynns rolled, so she did the next best thing.
Grabbing LT's face, Viv leaned forward and kissed him deeply on the lips. His face immediately went slack, his lips opening to hers and she dipped her tongue into his mouth...and then it went silent. His grip on her immediately loosened, allowing her to breath, but more importantly, letting her slide down in his grip...and plant her knee right into his groin with everything she had.
LT dropped her quicker than 5th period french. Viv hit the ground on her back and he curled up into a fetal position on the ground, grabbing his crotch. Rolling over to her side, she coughed, sucking in the sweet air and forcing herself to push up and away from him. Getting a knee up, she grabbed her ribs and fell forward again, pressing her forehead into the dirt. From behind, she could hear LT groaning painfully from her well planted knee to the nuts.
LT scooped her up immediately into the fabled 'bear hug', squeezing the air out of her and forcing her to grunt loudly in pain, her back arching, trying to alleviate the intense pain. All she had to do was tap out. One little tap on his shoulder. That's it. But that wasn't how Hammerthynns rolled, so she did the next best thing.
Grabbing LT's face, Viv leaned forward and kissed him deeply on the lips. His face immediately went slack, his lips opening to hers and she dipped her tongue into his mouth...and then it went silent. His grip on her immediately loosened, allowing her to breath, but more importantly, letting her slide down in his grip...and plant her knee right into his groin with everything she had.
LT dropped her quicker than 5th period french. Viv hit the ground on her back and he curled up into a fetal position on the ground, grabbing his crotch. Rolling over to her side, she coughed, sucking in the sweet air and forcing herself to push up and away from him. Getting a knee up, she grabbed her ribs and fell forward again, pressing her forehead into the dirt. From behind, she could hear LT groaning painfully from her well planted knee to the nuts.
The Pipers
14 years ago
They were cheering, losing their ever living minds. Even Marthinus was leaning halfway into the circle, hollering advice to Vivienne as loud as he could. Red stood with his arms up in the air, calculating the winnings from all the bids he took. He wagered it would be a short fight, but Viv was holding out longer than anyone had planned.
LT came at her, again and again, and his eyes were dark and focused, trying to break her down with exhaustion before doing the inevitable. The odds were 15 to 1 that LT would win with a bear hug. Viv couldn't avoid that embrace, not after he tired her out and lo' and behold...
Charlie watched as his ribs ached from breathing. Still reeling from the humiliation of actually trying to kiss Vivienne the night before, he still was cheering her on, hoping she could out last the LT long enough to beat the betting odds. No one bet she could win, but there was a time spread and kill move. Thinking about it, he did feel guilty, but she walked into the ring on her own two legs so if she couldn't leave it the same way, it was on her. The fact that the LT even fought her said volumes for what the Pipers thought of her. Most of them being at least twice her size, they knew she was no helpless girl and she would remind them of it any chance she got.
Looking over at the Beta and Commander, Charlie was overjoyed to see them talking quietly to themselves, enjoying the fight. Their separation had been difficult on everyone; the Pipers had emulated their abilities and friendship in every way; mixing camaraderie with authority, loyalty with honor. It was like a silent relieved sigh that passed through the Pipers when they saw them running in from deep in the woods. Like all was right again in the world.
Glancing back at the fight, he watched as the LT and Vivienne assumed their stand-off. It was just about over when Vivienne rushed LT, putting everything she had into her knee kicks and punches, but the he easily blocked her till she finally stopped her advanced and wavered, if only for a second. Everyone let out an audible grimace when LT grabbed Vivienne into his bear hug and squeezed.
It was over...so he thought.
Vivienne yelled in pain as the LT tried to break her ribs, making good on the promise that he would not hold back. But apparently Viv had one last move. When she grabbed LT's face and kissed him...really, really kissed him, LT's embrace loosened and he half dropped her low enough for her to knee him into the next millennium.
There was another painful and audible yelp from everyone when LT hit the ground next to Vivienne who was rolling away from him, trying to stand up. Charlie looked at Red who looked back.
"Is that a tie?" Red asked with a snort.
LT came at her, again and again, and his eyes were dark and focused, trying to break her down with exhaustion before doing the inevitable. The odds were 15 to 1 that LT would win with a bear hug. Viv couldn't avoid that embrace, not after he tired her out and lo' and behold...
Charlie watched as his ribs ached from breathing. Still reeling from the humiliation of actually trying to kiss Vivienne the night before, he still was cheering her on, hoping she could out last the LT long enough to beat the betting odds. No one bet she could win, but there was a time spread and kill move. Thinking about it, he did feel guilty, but she walked into the ring on her own two legs so if she couldn't leave it the same way, it was on her. The fact that the LT even fought her said volumes for what the Pipers thought of her. Most of them being at least twice her size, they knew she was no helpless girl and she would remind them of it any chance she got.
Looking over at the Beta and Commander, Charlie was overjoyed to see them talking quietly to themselves, enjoying the fight. Their separation had been difficult on everyone; the Pipers had emulated their abilities and friendship in every way; mixing camaraderie with authority, loyalty with honor. It was like a silent relieved sigh that passed through the Pipers when they saw them running in from deep in the woods. Like all was right again in the world.
Glancing back at the fight, he watched as the LT and Vivienne assumed their stand-off. It was just about over when Vivienne rushed LT, putting everything she had into her knee kicks and punches, but the he easily blocked her till she finally stopped her advanced and wavered, if only for a second. Everyone let out an audible grimace when LT grabbed Vivienne into his bear hug and squeezed.
It was over...so he thought.
Vivienne yelled in pain as the LT tried to break her ribs, making good on the promise that he would not hold back. But apparently Viv had one last move. When she grabbed LT's face and kissed him...really, really kissed him, LT's embrace loosened and he half dropped her low enough for her to knee him into the next millennium.
There was another painful and audible yelp from everyone when LT hit the ground next to Vivienne who was rolling away from him, trying to stand up. Charlie looked at Red who looked back.
"Is that a tie?" Red asked with a snort.
Brig Jameson
14 years ago
Brig was scared for Vivienne. He wanted to stop them, but with Hammer backing it, he really had no choice but to let things play out. But when LT promised he would not hold back, he was not kidding.
As Brig watched LT come at Viv, he started to see familiar moves, so familiar that he looked at Hammer who looked as awe struck as he.
"Vigo teach her that?" Brig asked, pointing.
Hammer shrugged, his eyebrows furrowing as the fight continued. "I think he taught her exclusively. Doubt my uncles would have showed her anything."
"Well...Vigo taught them, right?"
Hammer nodded silently.
Brig crossed his arms and laughed.
"She could be a Piper," they both said quietly and at the same time.
They looked at each other, Brig definitely surprised. "No...right? No, no."
"Oh no. Absolutely not."
Nodding, Brig and Hammer looked back at the fight and saw the ending coming fast. "Oh, here we go," Brig murmured and finally LT grabbed her into his bear hug, the same one that LT had warned her about when she fought Brig.
Both he and Hammer winced, waiting for the inevitable crack when suddenly Viv grabbed his nephew's face and kissed him. Hard.
Brig's jaw dropped, especially when he realized she used LT's one weakness...breaking his concentration...and planted a painful knee to the groin.
"Oh shit," Hammer uttered painfully.
"Oh that's not right," Brig added.
"Is that a tie?" Brig heard Red ask with a laugh.
Both Hammer and Brig stepped out into the circle, Hammer going to Viv. Putting his hand on LT's back, Brig helped LT stand up, only to have him throw up onto Brig's shoes.
"Aw, god...Lothias." His nephew was bent over at the waist, breathing in deep breaths, trying not to pass out, Brig figured. "How hard did she hit you?" LT looked up at him with a bleary eye and glared at him.
Brig looked over at Hammer who had helped Viv up. They were both incapacitated, reeling from their injuries. He wouldn't call it a win, but he shrugged at Hammer who nodded back.
"Tie then," Brig declared to disgruntled yelling and cursing.
As Brig watched LT come at Viv, he started to see familiar moves, so familiar that he looked at Hammer who looked as awe struck as he.
"Vigo teach her that?" Brig asked, pointing.
Hammer shrugged, his eyebrows furrowing as the fight continued. "I think he taught her exclusively. Doubt my uncles would have showed her anything."
"Well...Vigo taught them, right?"
Hammer nodded silently.
Brig crossed his arms and laughed.
"She could be a Piper," they both said quietly and at the same time.
They looked at each other, Brig definitely surprised. "No...right? No, no."
"Oh no. Absolutely not."
Nodding, Brig and Hammer looked back at the fight and saw the ending coming fast. "Oh, here we go," Brig murmured and finally LT grabbed her into his bear hug, the same one that LT had warned her about when she fought Brig.
Both he and Hammer winced, waiting for the inevitable crack when suddenly Viv grabbed his nephew's face and kissed him. Hard.
Brig's jaw dropped, especially when he realized she used LT's one weakness...breaking his concentration...and planted a painful knee to the groin.
"Oh shit," Hammer uttered painfully.
"Oh that's not right," Brig added.
"Is that a tie?" Brig heard Red ask with a laugh.
Both Hammer and Brig stepped out into the circle, Hammer going to Viv. Putting his hand on LT's back, Brig helped LT stand up, only to have him throw up onto Brig's shoes.
"Aw, god...Lothias." His nephew was bent over at the waist, breathing in deep breaths, trying not to pass out, Brig figured. "How hard did she hit you?" LT looked up at him with a bleary eye and glared at him.
Brig looked over at Hammer who had helped Viv up. They were both incapacitated, reeling from their injuries. He wouldn't call it a win, but he shrugged at Hammer who nodded back.
"Tie then," Brig declared to disgruntled yelling and cursing.
Vivienne Sena
14 years ago
Viv grabbed onto Hammer's shirt, balling it up into her hand as he lifted her off the ground. She was trying not to visibly wince, and doing an OK job at it, until she tried to stand up straight.
"Oh fuck me," she murmured, shaking the tunnel vision from her head. Definitely hair line fractures along her 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ribs, both sides. She'd be fine by that evening, but it not only hurt to breath, it killed her to stand. Viv looked over at LT and saw him throw up on Brig's shoes.
She had nailed him, but hard. It was reflex, she'd tell him later after she reminded him that he wouldn't hold back and definitely did not.
"It was 15 to 1 he'd bear hug you," Brig said with a smile.
"Yeah but we didn't bet on her kill move being a kiss and a kick to the giblets," Red said as he came and helped LT to the edge of the circle. "What was the kiss like, LT?"
LT looked up at Red and glared at him.
The pain was beginning to subside, not by much, but enough to let go of Hammer's arms. Brig reached out to help her, but she slapped his hand away.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," she said, probably a little more irritated than she had meant. He held his hands up and grinned. "Actually, I was hoping to..." she winced taking a step toward her ipad, "to talk to Domingo this morning."
Domingo, upon hearing his name, was front and center with her ipad. Gingerly, Viv took it and straightened her posture, noticeably feeling the muscles protesting.
"Want me to carry you back?" Domingo asked with a wink.
"No, I do not want you to carry me back." She hit him with her ipad on his chest and turned toward the Den. "Report...later...blahblahblah," Viv called back to Brig and Hammer. Then she walked slowly back to the Den with Domingo at her side.
((OOC Viv out))
"Oh fuck me," she murmured, shaking the tunnel vision from her head. Definitely hair line fractures along her 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ribs, both sides. She'd be fine by that evening, but it not only hurt to breath, it killed her to stand. Viv looked over at LT and saw him throw up on Brig's shoes.
She had nailed him, but hard. It was reflex, she'd tell him later after she reminded him that he wouldn't hold back and definitely did not.
"It was 15 to 1 he'd bear hug you," Brig said with a smile.
"Yeah but we didn't bet on her kill move being a kiss and a kick to the giblets," Red said as he came and helped LT to the edge of the circle. "What was the kiss like, LT?"
LT looked up at Red and glared at him.
The pain was beginning to subside, not by much, but enough to let go of Hammer's arms. Brig reached out to help her, but she slapped his hand away.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," she said, probably a little more irritated than she had meant. He held his hands up and grinned. "Actually, I was hoping to..." she winced taking a step toward her ipad, "to talk to Domingo this morning."
Domingo, upon hearing his name, was front and center with her ipad. Gingerly, Viv took it and straightened her posture, noticeably feeling the muscles protesting.
"Want me to carry you back?" Domingo asked with a wink.
"No, I do not want you to carry me back." She hit him with her ipad on his chest and turned toward the Den. "Report...later...blahblahblah," Viv called back to Brig and Hammer. Then she walked slowly back to the Den with Domingo at her side.
((OOC Viv out))
Iov Hammerthynn
14 years ago
It looked like LT was already starting to feel better, but psychologically Hammer was fairly certain that LT will be wary of even coming close to kissing Vivienne ever again.
Wrinkling his nose at Brig's shoes, Hammer declared, "I'll be at breakfast. Do not come at me with those shoes, please."
Brig looked down at his shoes and made a disgusted noise. Looking back up at him, Brig nodded with a slightly disgusted grin.
Walking back to the Den, Hammer felt the cold chill on the wind and it felt glorious. It was almost winter in Nachton again; he so looked forward to the snow and chilly temperatures. And despite having destroyed Vivienne's apartment, Hammer and Brig were finally able to work past their issues and reconnect again. Hammer looked at the ground as he walked, grinning from ear to ear, and not really trying to hide it.
((OOC Hammer, Brig, LT, and Pipers out))
Continued in Age Quod Agis
Wrinkling his nose at Brig's shoes, Hammer declared, "I'll be at breakfast. Do not come at me with those shoes, please."
Brig looked down at his shoes and made a disgusted noise. Looking back up at him, Brig nodded with a slightly disgusted grin.
Walking back to the Den, Hammer felt the cold chill on the wind and it felt glorious. It was almost winter in Nachton again; he so looked forward to the snow and chilly temperatures. And despite having destroyed Vivienne's apartment, Hammer and Brig were finally able to work past their issues and reconnect again. Hammer looked at the ground as he walked, grinning from ear to ear, and not really trying to hide it.
((OOC Hammer, Brig, LT, and Pipers out))
Continued in Age Quod Agis