Some Hands on Experience

[Samantha Adams]

The first light of dawn crept through the window of the Athena cabin, casting a soft glow on Samantha as she slept. Stirring beneath her covers, she awoke with a start, realizing she had a full day ahead of her. As she sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming hand-to-hand combat practice with Shi Jin, a fellow camper she hadn't had much interaction with yet. Samantha was no stranger to the arena, but she couldn't help but feel a tinge of anxiety. Hand-to-hand combat was not her forte; she much preferred the finesse of a sword in her hand. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that her devotion to discipline and wisdom would guide her through the challenge.

As Samantha dressed for the day, her thoughts drifted against her will towards the complicated feelings and encounters that had recently been happening to her. First, there had been Levi, whose insatiable appetite for sex had initially tempted her. And now, Evelyn, a girl who she had always viewed as her biggest rival had apparently been harboring feelings for her ever since she first arrived at camp! Samantha frowned, unsure of how to reconcile these emotions, she had closed herself off to the possibility of relationship for so long. Now that she was older she was finding it harder to shut out such feelings. She chastised herself for allowing her mind to wander in this direction, especially when she should be focusing on the upcoming practice.

Before leaving the cabin, Samantha took a moment to pray to Athena for guidance and strength, both in the arena and in her personal life. She felt a sense of comfort as she whispered her prayer, feeling the divine wisdom of her mother. As she stepped outside into the crisp morning air, Samantha felt a renewed sense of determination. She would face whatever challenges the day brought head-on, be it in combat or navigating her emotions.

The walk to the arena was filled with anticipation. Samantha took deep breaths, reminding herself of her training and the importance of humility in the face of adversity. As she approached, she saw Shi Jin already waiting, a confident smile on his face. Samantha steeled herself, ready to face her opponent with grace and determination. She knew that this would be a true test of her character, but it was a challenge she was prepared to face. "Hello Shi Jin! I hope you haven't been waiting too long" she called out.

@ Park Shi Jin

[Park Shi Jin]

Shi Jin was up early today, he had been filling his day with some activities to send his time with. He was an oldie at camp so he rarely appear in classes. The only class he went was battle strategy, something he wasn’t quite good at. Although he must say that he was always lucky enough to have enough chances in his combat training to be better each day, it was like the training just came to him and brought up his muscles and stamina. So he was quite fulfilled with his six little abs at the moment. He would also be spending his time with his siblings, drinking or just filling the day out in the open, as he would do it to spend time with his family. They were his family now, apart from his mortal ones. So he was part of both worlds. And he was very satisfied with his future life, since something was blooming these days with some of the people he met. Anyways, he had a combat to go after planning it with Samantha a few days ago. They were having this practice together, and since he was dying to get better at it, he agreed it immediately. Though he hoped he wouldn’t end up getting beaten by a younger Athena lady, it would just a bit embarrassing. But he was also kind to the younger campers, so it wasn’t a big deal. He came to the fighters arena early today, readying his combat skills. It wasn’t much actually, but he had his stamina on so he was ready for the practice. It’s just a practice right? Just when he wanted to try on a sword, a voice came and he turned to it just reflexively. "Oh hey you’re here! Nope not at all, just arrived awhile ago. Are you ready for the practice?" He smiled at Sam, giving off a slight challenging tone but politely.  She looked all prepared apparently. It’s probably the aura all Athenas children gave.

[Samantha Adams]

Samantha's heart raced as she stood before Shi Jin, taking in his confident demeanor. The nerves she had felt earlier crept back, but she refused to let them show. She couldn't help but admire his physique, noting the way his muscles rippled beneath his clothing. Samantha knew she couldn't allow herself to be distracted by his appearance, and she steeled her resolve. "Absolutely, I'm ready for the practice," Samantha responded, her voice steady and confident despite her racing thoughts. She began to stretch her limbs, warming up her muscles for the impending combat session. As she focused on her movements, Samantha took the opportunity to center her thoughts and mentally prepare herself for the challenge ahead. "By the way, is there any particular type of hand to hand combat you would prefer to focus on today?" Samantha wanted to ensure they both had a chance to work on their strengths and weaknesses during the session.

"I usually practice with just weapons but I'm in sore need of experience in hand to hand combat. Don't think though that that means I'll be easy prey. I fully expect to leave this match up victorious" she teased playfully. Even though they were about to fight she didn't want this to come off as too serious a matter. She walked towards him until there was only five paces in between them. Samantha decided to take the initiative and throw the first blow. "Ladies first!" she cried. Drawing from her knowledge of various fighting styles, she opted for a technique from Krav Maga, a martial art known for its practicality and effectiveness in real-life situations. Samantha quickly closed the distance between her and Shi Jin, her movements fluid and precise. Her aim was to target his midsection, as this would allow her to test his reflexes and defensive capabilities. She launched a swift, straight punch towards his abdomen, intending to use the element of surprise to her advantage.

[Park Shi Jin]

Shi Jin was amazed by the Athena girl , thought if all of the wisdom born children were this confident, or at least it was giving off of the girl. He too was so as he did do enough trainings and he was very lucky per se. He smiled and nodded at her, while also getting ready for the hand to hand combat. "Hmmm I’m not that certain either, I’ve done some martial arts and they involve hand and legs, ah…maybe we can try the throw and punch first then we can move with the legs? " He did remember giving flying kicks most of the time as it was his uttermost strength. He chuckled after hearing her words. It’s true this was a practice after all and not a hardcore job to fulfil. He was waiting for her answer when she stepped a few inches off him and started giving a punch towards him. Sneaky. He didn’t recall the Athenas being like that. He quickly swerve backwards and using one hand down to block the blow towards his centre. Well he would’ve taken the punch but he didn’t want to damage his stomach just yet. Besides he still had his abs hehe. It was a quick Wushu style dodging using the elbow and back of the arm to. "Ah, now it’s my turn." To be fair he used only his hands first unless the girl wanted to use her legs and he would also let her first. He started with stretching his right hand to pull her punching hand towards him and his left hand up to take a grip on her shoulder , ready to pull her down.

[Samantha Adams]

Samantha watched as Shi Jin skillfully dodged her attack, using a fluid block to deflect her punch. Despite the heat of the moment, she allowed herself a small smile. His agility was impressive, and she felt a surge of anticipation at the challenge he presented. "Not bad, Shi Jin," she complimented, her voice betraying none of her internal excitement. She had to remind herself to stay focused; his defensive skill made it clear that she couldn't afford to let her guard down. Though their fight had only just begun, Samantha couldn't help but be struck by the camaraderie that was quickly forming between them. Their banter and shared interest in the martial arts were contributing to an unexpected sense of rapport. This connection stirred a strange blend of emotions in Samantha.

Samantha was rushed out of her thoughts though as Shi Jin's grip tightened on her arm and shoulder, and in an instant, he'd pulled her down. She hit the ground with a thud, the breath whooshing out of her lungs momentarily. "Hmmmm, lucky shot!" she said with a teasing smirk, wondering just how much of his fighting prowess came from skill...or his mother's luck. She couldn't wonder forever though, the fight must go on. Rolling to her side Samantha pushed herself up. Her muscles protested slightly from the impact, but she refused to let it hinder her. "Don't think I'm down for the count just yet!" she retorted dusting off her clothes, she had a counter-attack in mind. "My turn," she declared. Samantha moved in swiftly, her movements resembling more of a dance than a fight. She aimed a swift, roundhouse kick toward his midsection, putting every ounce of strength she possessed into the attack. She hoped the sudden change in her fighting style would catch him off guard.

 

[Park Shi Jin]

Shi Jin smirked as he was quick in his own reflexes. He had done a lot of exercises and trainings himself and with a proper guidance specifically from the tutors or just his brothers, he had improved in a short time. He knew when and how to defend just as much as to attack. But he also admired the Athena’s fighting skills , well what can he say as he was fighting the battle prone demigod. Much like fighting an Ares too. He was fast into action and had held his grip on Sam and watched her fall to the ground. Ah, that was a first. He grinned on her praise but he was wondering whether she was focusing or not. And he had to perform more new moves then. "Indeed I got lucky…….sure i’m all arms and legs, ready for that.” He chuckled as she wasn’t backing down just yet, or haven’t even put her all towards the friendly combat. He watched as she took another kick towards his abdomen , to his sensitive part of the body. He quickly dodged but he tended sideways more and he had to gain strength from his legs to retaliate his body up again. He wasn’t going to fall today! "Interesting move.” It nearly got him. This time he lunged forward ready for his wushu flying forward kick, aiming for her shoulders again.

[Samantha Adams]

This was exactly the kind of challenge Samantha had been looking for. She couldn't help but smile as he praised her move, her earlier nerves replaced by a sense of excitement. Catching her breath, Samantha eyed Shi Jin's incoming attack warily. His movements were swift and calculated, his body lunging towards her in what she recognized as a wushu flying forward kick. Experience told her that she had two options - evade or block. With no time to make a substantial move away, Samantha opted to block, utilizing her understanding of the martial art to her advantage. "Showtime," she muttered under her breath, setting her feet firmly on the ground, raising her forearms to meet Shi Jin's incoming kick. The impact resonated through her arms, her muscles straining from the force. She took a moment to steady herself, resisting the urge to rub her arms as they tingled from the blocked attack.

"All right, Shi Jin, let's keep this dance going," Samantha called out. Channeling her energy, she took a step forward, ready to press the offensive. She decided on a combination of quick punches and kicks aiming at his torso and legs, hoping to keep him on the defensive. "You're luck has to run out sometime yea?"

[Park Shi Jin]

Shi Jin was glad that this fighting session has become a little bit more engaging and adrenaline at the same time. He had to think and react fast and of course to not back down from the Athena girl. As much as he respected women he still wanted to be at the upper hand……but yeah it depends. He was surprised that she had taken his flying kick , without falling down just yet. Well understandable as he didn’t really gave his all either, he couldn’t really do that to women to be honest. But as for some Asian culture he had to as a sign of respect. He smirked at her speedy skills, quick to retaliate and act. Athenas were really good at judging too eh? Now that she had recovered , she was already on her feet and up towards him , filled with both punches and kicks . He was always good with defense so he wasn’t too worried, it was just that he kept wondering what kind of combat skills she learnt. Do all Athenas fight like that too? They seemed as strong as the Areses , and well, he already had some respect for them now. "Well You’re strong…. Hmm but sometimes it isn’t always luck you know." He winked right before she gave her all at him. He knew his practices had been going really well so far and he was confident that they were going to be put in use someday, even if it’s not sessions like this but actual ones.
 

He defended himself with his lower arms and took backwards steps each time, unafraid of the incoming. The closer the hits get to him the more fun he felt. It was the lucky charms energy that he had that made him almost just as fearless as the demigods who does sports and rough stuff. His style turned into military combat style next to prepare to take towards the offensive part later, right now he was enjoying the defending moment she gave as a means of practising as well. "You know I’m seeing all of your styles right? “ And hence he could see the patterns in hers which makes it better to deflect her moves later. So she was good with rough huh……

[Samantha Adams]

Samantha could sense Shi Jin's intent and felt a flare of frustration. She had a feeling he was studying her, trying to find a weak point or predict her next move. "So you're just going to defend the whole time?" Samantha challenged, pushing herself harder to try and break through his defenses. With every move, however, she began to feel the fatigue set in. Her earlier worries about hand-to-hand combat were proving accurate. Her stamina, so reliable in sword fights, was waning faster in this arena of combat. She needed a breather, but wasn't about to call for a timeout. Instead, she adopted a more relaxed stance, pretending to let her guard down. "So tell me Shi Jin, do you always analyze your opponent's moves so closely, or am I just special?" she teased playfully. She figured if she could distract him with a bit of mild flirting then it would make for an easier fight.

Despite her tiredness, Samantha's determination never wavered. She would not be easily defeated, especially not in a sparring match. Taking a deep breath, she quickly feigned a high kick but quickly switched to a sweep, aiming for Shi Jin's legs, hoping to catch him off guard. Let's see if you can handle the unexpected, Shi Jin. She had to change her pattern, make her moves unpredictable. Even though she felt the burn in her muscles and the sweat dripping down her forehead, Samantha pushed on, relying on her inner strength and the wisdom she drew from her lineage. 

[Park Shi Jin]

Shi Jin wasn’t at all affected by the opponent during combat , much less the Athena girl who was trying to get to him. He smirked, knowing immediately what she was doing, his quick mind apart from his reflexes was also one of his best. He steered around, continue in defending as he didn’t want to back down easily either, he was a child of luck , not of battle, hence his determination to become better at something he was not good at. "Well defending is one of my best….and yes really you’re special, I think all demigods who know battle are. I’m a true fan. “ Indeed he was, he tried to played the same way as she started., feeling the tease from her. Oh he wasn’t going to back down easily today….but maybe for a girl, maybe he would later. Will see how then. He could feel how exhausted she was from up close, as he had been too, even if he had been training all days. Her determination was as much as he had, as they both didn’t want to stray and back down either. So both of them were equally determined to win in a combat, but he was beginning to think if he would let the girl just take her victory today. Hmm……..but then a flying kick and a sweep from below came, he had to dodge, turning every bit of his bones away, jumped but slipped off sideways, so he quickly did a back flip and landed on a somewhat like a Spider-Man crouching position. He looked up immediately, impressed by how quick she had changed her steps. So now it was unpredictable huh? He began preparing his mindset of offending now, as there weren’t much choice but to attack as well. He made a quick front roll to get closer to her, and reached for her legs like how she had targeted his feet. Sometimes we gotta eye lower, and attack from below!