Going Harder, Getting Better

Rory leaped on Zora immediately when the other girl sat down. She straddled the woman and held her throat, thumbs applying pressure directly to her windpipe. Rory was holding back just enough to ensure she didn't crush Zora's windpipe, but the threat was there.

"Now, get me off with the tricks I've taught you."

Rory laughed as Zora managed to break free and scamper away. "No, that's good. You use everything. Strike the face, that's what I taught you. Keep going."

Rory lunged for Zora again, using her superior physical capabilities to get the upper hand. "Don't stay on the ground, you're vulnerable there."

Rory kicked off the wall and zoomed after Zora. It wasn't hard to catch up, Rory didn't even have to put much effort into the chase. Quick turns didn't deter her, she was adept at kicking off walls, turning on a moments notice.

She wrapped an arm around Zora's torso, still moving forward and using her momentum to slam Zora against the wall with Rory's weight pushed against her and trying to pull one of Zora's arms behind her back, twisting her into submission.

"Wrong move."

And the moment she said that Rory released her and backed off. It was fine, Rory told herself, this was to help someone. But there was no denying that she was a little sick at hurting Zora.

"Does your security system feature a panic button? And never run straight when you're running from someone faster than you. Dodge around things. If your opponent is bigger than you, slip into places they can't reach."

Rory motioned around. "Normally, I'd say get outside as quickly as possible. Better than staying locked up in a small space with someone who can kick your ass. Any neighbors you trust, maybe? If Broen is home, you run right to his place. If you have a panic room, go there."

"Fighting is more than kicking and punching things," Rory told her. "It's understanding so much you can hardly think about all of it. And you shouldn't be. Most of it is feeling. Quick thinking, the ability to adapt. You've already started learning to use your own fear to your advantage. Now you have to learn: 'how can I best incapacitate this person or escape?' Don't think about hiding. Not until you're in the clear."

Rory had to calm down, the adrenaline had her heart pounding and made her feel flighty. Reel it back. Pull away from the euphoria. She rubbed some red away from her cheeks.

"Let's step outside. We can try an actual spar. Get you more comfortable striking those weak points. Don't worry about hurting me, okay? I'll be fine. I can guarantee you I've gone through worse than anything you can do."