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Post by megatude on Apr 28, 2009 16:50:58 GMT -5
Urging himself forward, he thought now was a good time to ask. Herc lowered his head shyly and looked up through his eyelashes. "Do you think you could teach me?" He'd said it so quietly, Meg wasn't sure she'd heard him right. It was kind of a shock. "Excuse me?" He cleared his throat, though it did little good. "W...w...well, Phil taught me the basics of 'hand-to-hand' combat...." He massaged his fingers one by one. "But nothing extensive beyond a few combos and 'one-two' jabs. Certainly nothing compared to what you've displayed. I mean, I usually attack a foe from a distance before I move in. I'm not as agile as I'd like to be. So, I was wondering if you'd consider tutoring me?" This certainly was a twist on things. Meg had never been asked to teach someone something she knew. In truth, she rather liked the idea. "I suppose I do owe you for the archery lessons...." Herc shook his head, not wanting her to feel obligated. "I'm not asking for payment of any kind", trying to make it clear. "I only wish to improve." Her concerns lightened. She just hoped she wasn't growing soft. At the very least, she'd have an excuse to work her muscles without grief from sneaking around. "Very well, Wonderboy, we shall teach each other what we know, and come away stronger." "Deal." Hercules extended his hand, and Meg took it. After a firm, but brief motion in agreement, she released her contact. "Deal." During their extended time of conversing, they had completely lost track of time, for the sun was diving deeper into the Western sky. This era definitely had a negative side-affect. Back home, Meg felt she managed her time wisely, by not letting it pass by so discreetly. The hero smirked. What precious little time he found to be with Meg was always gone in an instant, especially when things seemed to be progressing. "I suppose Marlena has supper prepared by now. Shall we go inside?" She nodded and headed for the Villa, with Hercules close behind. "I'd say that's a pretty sound plan."
Entering the dining room, it was obvious that Hercules' assumption was indeed correct. Everyone was already seated at the table, preparing to eat. All eyes shifted to the tardy diners and the room fell silent. Phil, most of all, looked particularly peeved. It was very much like being on display for all the world to see. Meg tucked her new bow behind her back. She took immediate notice at Zebra's expression as she sat cosily next to Torrin; a slight look of shock, soon followed by a small smile of approval. She could only imagine what her friend might be thinking. She wanted to disappear. Trouble was, it would look more suspicious if she bolted now. Avoiding any eye contact, knowing they were all focused on them both, Meg rushed to her seat, on Zebra's other side, keeping her face hidden in the shadow of her long hair. She kept her weapon hidden protectively hidden beneath the table. No doubt, Phil would not approve her having the bow. And she didn't want to get Hercules in trouble. Feeling awkward, though not as embarrassed as Meg, the hero took his place at the head of the table and smiled. "Forgive our late arrival", Herc excused, addressing those present. "I hope we haven't kept you all waiting too long." Just then, Marlena came in with the evening meal. "Oh, Sir Hercules, you're just in time." She gently set the platter onto the table. Lifting the metal lid, she revealed another of her culinary masterpieces. That night's meal consisted of; fried salmon simmered in olive oil. "This looks absolutely delectable, Marlena dear", Alcmene commented. Marlena beamed. "Thank you, Ma'dam." As the aroma traveled to each participant, there was no doubt that not only did the dish appear good, but their noses could agree that the smell was tempting as well. Which could only mean that the flavor would not disappoint. The housekeeper served a portion to each member, along with some steamed vegetables. Only after everyone had their meal before them, and their beverages had been poured, did the lady sit down herself. Dinner was, for the most part, eaten in silence, except for the usual scrape of utensil against plate. Conversations began to stir when Marlena began her clean-up. "That was a delightful meal, Marlena", Alcmene gushed. "I do wish you'd lend me the recipe." The housekeeper smiled. "Its actually quite simple. I'll show you sometime."
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Post by simba on May 6, 2009 0:31:24 GMT -5
iih, uncomfortable situation!! xD Great update!
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Post by megatude on May 19, 2009 17:08:40 GMT -5
Phil cleared his throat, to throw attention to himself. "So, kid, where did you disappear to after routine exercises?" Meg froze. How would he answer? Herc dabbed the corners of his mouth with a clean handkerchief. After a brief stall, he shrugged. "I got distracted. Then I ran into Meg on the way in." Light and truthful. Relief flooded through Meg. Though she knew his response was solely for the purpose of avoiding trouble with Phil. "Oh really?" The goat-man obviously wasn't convinced. "And what, pray tell, was so distracting that..." "Hey Alcmene!" Zebra abruptly interrupted. "I got this scarf for you today in town." She pulled out the colorful cloth and presented it to Alcmene. It's silky borders were embroidered in golden Greek keys. Alcmene was very touched and accepted the gift gratefully. "How lovely! Thank you, dear." To try it on for size, she wrapped the scarf about her neck. "You really shouldn't have." "I can't take all the credit", Zebra admitted modestly. "Torrin lent me the money." She glanced to the handsome gentleman sitting next to her and blushed furiously as he sent her a smile. "I thank you both." Being a woman of intuition, Alcmene could see a definite connection between the youngsters. Amphitryon grasped her hand, communicating the love he felt for his wife through touch. It truly was a gift to be surrounded by so much love. She just prayed her own son would uncover such satisfaction and contentment. There were high hopes for the future, after all. Meg squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. The atmosphere around her felt awkward, of one she desired to escape. She played an over exaggerated yawn, stretching her arms high. "Boy, am I tired. I think I'll go wash my face and go to bed early." She stood up abruptly and gathered her dishes, leaving her bow behind, planning to return and retrieve it later. Not really looking at anyone she shuffled to the kitchen to deposit the used utensils. "Dinner was great, Marlena. Have a good night everyone", Meg managed to exhale in one breath.
Meg closed the door behind her as she entered the room designated to herself and Zebra. Relieved to finally be alone, she leaned heavily against the door at her back. Now in solitude she was able to think. Unfortunately her body decided that now was a good time to reveal the ache and discomfort her muscles obtained from her archery lessons. She glanced down at her leather-protected arm, fingering the cloth. She carefully removed the strip, uncovering her injury. Blended colors of purple and green were a blotched pallet on her bicep. The bruise actually looked a lot worse than it felt, but she knew from experience that would all change by morning. Still, would that prevent her from continuing her lessons? NO WAY! Not a chance. Of course, that also meant spending quality time with the resident hero. She groaned, holding her head between her hands, the whole situation was giving her a headache. Stifled, she realized she was still clutching Hercules' leather strip. She flung it aside, where it landed on top of a near-by vanity. There she saw a clay pitcher filled with clear water, along with a bowl and towel. Meg smiled. It could only have been Marlena at work again. That woman truly was a heaven sent, she knew just what a person needed. She poured the water from the pitcher into the bowl, the sound of dripping, running water seemed to ease her nerves. She dipped the towel deep into the still warm water. Her eyes closed as the warming sensation traveled from her finger tips, throughout the rest of her body. Squeezing the excess water from the rag, she raised it to her face, softly wiping the grime from her face in slow strokes. Now that she was able to properly relax, it was realized how tired she actually was. The incident with the barn still left her lungs weak. But in time, her full strength would return. It was lucky she hadn't been killed. If Hercules hadn't been there.... Her mind was going in circles again. She threw the towel annoyingly back into the bowl. Why was she thinking of him now of all times? Why was he popping into her thoughts when she was suppost to be winding down? It didn't make sense. Nothing made sense, as of late. Why?! Argg!! It was even exhausting to think about. Deciding she'd given the day enough of her attention to complete it, she slipped off her dress, and carefully folded it, placing it in a chest at the foot of her bed. Left in her undergarments, she found herself fit and ready for a good nights rest. As a final touch to her nightly atire, she tugged her hair band from its tight position, suspending her hair in place. Her auburn locks fell long and free in coiled curls, reaching down to her upper thigh. Meg sighed to herself. It always felt good to let loose ones restraints. Moving toward the bed, she noted that the blankets had been pulled taught and tidy. Marlena's work, no doubt. It was so different, having such normal routines done for you. (Not like Meg periodically made her bed back home) But she had learned to take care of her own needs, and it was weird to have such tasks done for her. So many drastic changes in such a short lifetime was quite overwhelming when one took the time to muse over the details. She sat heavily on the bed. How many more life changing trials could she absorb and accept before she fully lost control of her own future? Groaning, she crashed her hands over her face and fell back on the bed, in an attempt to keep her mind from exploding. Overwhelmed, she pulled back the blankets and tucked herself within. Turning on her side she cuddled closely to the pillow at her head. Was all this truly meant to happen, or was it all a misfortunate accident? She didn't know, but without a doubt she'd be there to find out. Her eyes closed softly and was relieved when sleep finally clouded her distressing thoughts.
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Post by simba on May 21, 2009 10:45:01 GMT -5
Aww, Meg! =D Fantastic chapter.
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Post by Scooterly on Jun 6, 2009 12:37:48 GMT -5
WOO I am finally caught up again. Sorry I haven't been replying. I love how you really grow Meg's inner conflict; its humorous and cute and really shows her true colors! ;D You keep doing a fantastic job - I am never dissapointed by your updates!
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Post by megatude on Jun 9, 2009 21:14:15 GMT -5
"I wonder why Meg was so tense at dinner", Zebra stressed. Her and Torrin were lounging together in the parlor, talking into the night. "Who's to say for sure?" Torrin responded, resisting the urge to wrap an arm around her shoulders. Of course he didn't want to ambush his feelings onto her too quickly. Though she would have gladly welcomed the attention. "She almost seemed embarrassed about something." Torrin nodded, he'd noticed this as well. "And Meg doesn't embarrass easily, unless it ultimately violates her pride", she scoffed. "Sometimes she can be so stubborn, there's no getting through to her." Zebra stopped, realizing she was ranting. It wasn't a subject she had practice in reciting. Unfortunately, Torrin wasn't interested in discussing Megara. His primary interest was Nye at hand. "I think we've talked of Meg long enough. I'd really like to get to know you better." Zebra flushed, surprised by his request. "Oh, well, what do you want to know?" Torrin inched closer at her side. "For starters; what are your dreams, your hopes for the future?" Bowing her head shyly, Zebra shrugged. "Well, I really like science, uncovering new puzzles for the betterment of man-kind, much like my grandfather. That's one of the reasons why I want to find him." "What are the other reasons?" Torrin looked away, fearing the answer. "He's our only hope of returning home." "And......you want to leave?" Zebra smiled. "When you say it like that it sounds less appealing." She thought of her reply, but there was no denying her reluctance. "I really love it here. But Meg feels differently, she's bound and determined to go back." "Perhaps we could persuade her otherwise", Torrin hedged, coming to his feet. "Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it too much." He offered her his hand. "We should probably get some sleep ourselves." She stared at the young man's palm, hesitating. Then her courage came through and she carefully slid her petite glove like hand into his. She felt her skin tingle with excitement as his fingers closed round hers. With his assistance, she easily rose to her feet. Relatively close now, their gaze was momentarily lost in each other. Becoming self-conscience, she ducked her burning face. Torrin could only smile. He then slid her hand to place it gently on his forearm. "Please allow me to escort you to your room, fair maiden." Words escaped her grasp. Zebra could only nod her consent. Torrin led the way past the corridor of rooms. Zebra felt the play of his lean muscles beneath her hold on his arm and her stomach lurched. They strolled along in silence until they finally reached her door. Still, neither wanted to separate. Torrin gazed admirably into her eyes and gulped down a great lump. The mood was perfect. He was suppost to kiss her, right? But as he looked upon her gentle face, the shadow from the hallway torches heightening and mystifying her beauty, he just couldn't pluck-up the courage to take such a bold initiative and do it. Somehow, it just didn't seem right to steal a kiss from a maiden who was so innocent and fair. But, he also couldn't leave her with nothing. So, instead, he raised her hand to his parted lips and kissed the back of it. The delicate handle and the press of his lips befitted that of a princess. "I wish you sweet dreams", he whispered before departing. Zebra watched him leave, cupping a hand over her heart as she feared that it might race from her chest after him. During these moments, the last place where she wished to be was back in her dead-end life. If things continued to progress in the way she hoped, perhaps THIS could be her future, forever where her soul called; home. It was almost too much, to dare such a dream. But for once in her life, she wasn't afraid to face these wondrous possibilities. She was determined to meet them head-on. Zebra jumped slightly as she slipped from her personal illusions and turned to go inside. Opening the door, a small triangle of light ebbed into the room, illuminating from the hallway, and softly landed across the sleeping form of Meg. This sight almost made Zebra's heart sink. Meg wanted to return home, and would do almost anything to do so. Then Zebra thought about how Meg acted during supper, it wasn't in her personality to be so anxious and nervous. Could it be perhaps Meg wanted to leave this evolving life to escape from something in the development? Zebra quietly closed the door behind her and softly padded to her best friend's bedside. Taking a moment to allow her eyes to adjust with the darkness, she gently stroked Meg's hair with the affection of a sister she'd always believed they were. A smile shone bright upon her silent face. Things would work out for the best. she just had to believe it. Zebra then changed into her nightgown, pulled back the blankets on her bed, and folded their surrounding comfort around herself, shifting a moment before feeling satisfied. 'Things just have to work out for the better', she repeated in her thoughts, again. 'They just have to.' She finally settled into sleep, dreaming of a bright future.
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Post by Scooterly on Jun 10, 2009 10:15:38 GMT -5
Awe! That was incrediably cute, I love Zebra; she's so sweet. Hehe silly Torrin, such a gentleman!
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Post by megatude on Jul 4, 2009 15:49:19 GMT -5
I'm so glad you think so!
Meg deliberately rose early the following morning. Dawn had barely begun to break into the newly born day. Good thing she'd gone to bed earlier than usual the previous night. Slowly, she sat up in bed and carefully tossed aside the covers, her eyes automatically centered where Zebra continued to slumber away, turned on her side facing the wall, the occasional nasally snore rumbling from her throat. As she watched her, Meg wondered how long after she retired to bed did Zebra follow. Still in the comfort of her dreams she rolled over, now facing Meg, and exhaled a long contented sigh, a satisfied smile spread across her lips. Guessing from her gushy expression, Meg had a stabbing feeling who'd planted it there. She shook her head; It was amazing, the effects a man can have upon a woman. They could make you feel as if you're souring amomgst the clouds of heaven at breakneck speed, then instantly turn around and smash your dreams to dust without a trace of remorse, leaving behind a hopeless, bitter shell from a once glowing spirit. Meg allowed a small wave of painful past visions to pass through her, clenching the blanket beneath her as vast images filled her mind. Believing, in doing so, made her stronger. Like any exercise, when done correctly and often enough, your body can overcome certain obstacles. She compared this particular 'exercise' to strength and weight resistance training; The burn and agony as the muscles break and tear down when they're forced to exertion, then gradually repairing themselves into a larger, more improved form. It takes dedication, discipline, and continuous activity to build ones physical power. So she had taken this process and applied it through her struggles of emotional downturn. Though it happened long ago, she could still picture it so clearly. ("It's not like we're married or anything.") Josh's mocking voice bounced off the walls of her concentrated brain, like within a pinball machine. Her body vibrated with renewed anger. Only when another of Zebra's startling snores droned, did Meg finally snap out of her personal trance. She released slowly, pushing away the feeling that had engulfed her, and released her white knuckle grip on the blankets, sensing the relief as the weight of the emotions were dropped. She swung her legs over the side, her feet meeting the cold tiled floor like a slap in the face, preparing to survive another day in a foreign land. She found her dress where she'd left it and slipped it over her head, running her hands down the fabric to eliminate the wrinkles that had set in over night. Then combed through her hair with the brush they had been graciously provided with. When her Auburn locks were free of tangles and left smooth, she lifted her hair above her head and started brushing upward from the neck-up. With her hair in place, gathered tightly in one fist, she then retrieved her hair band with the other. Positioning this against her fist, she pulled her thick hair through the opening. After repeating this step a couple times over, her hair was in the desired position of her signature style. As an after-thought, she took along Hercules torn, leather strap. Who knows? She may need it. Satisfied, Meg proceeded to exit the room, keeping an steady eye on Zebra's form as she carefully, and slowly closed the door behind her. The hallway flames had already been long since dowsed, leaving it in a dim, Grey mist as daylight slowly colored the darkened sky. Thankfully, it was just enough for Meg to navigate to her secret destination. She just had to make a brief stop before continuing on her main quest. All was deathly quiet and still as she made her way into the dining room. She estimated it was still a good 1/2 hour before the rooster cawed and drug everyone from their leisurely rest. Plus, the colder months tended to cause folks to sleep in a bit later than they usually did in the Spring and Summer, allowing the earth to warm up as much as possible before working outdoors. So this gave her more time before she might be discovered. Rest asured, she wasn't up to any mischief, but she still preferred that no one knew of her actions, she already felt embarrassed as it was; Being alone with someone when you would normally avoid that person. To her relief, her bow was right where she'd left it the previous night. It hadn't been discovered. She bent down and retrieved it from beneath the table, where it had been carefully wedged between the wooden boards that made up the luxurious table. She eyes glanced her surroundings, finding the coast clear, she stood upright. Remembering the Winter frost, she retrieved a cloak that was near at hand Outside now, she made her way into the yard, the brisk chill of the icy morning air nearly stole all breath from her healing lungs. Unable to locate what she sought there, Meg had to think of where else to search. Her gaze swept across the wide expanse, wondering where else she could possibly look. Nothing seemed to stand out in her mind until she caught sight of a circular structure standing-out in the distance. It appeared to be a sort of arena or stadium, almost shaped like the famous Colosseum of Rome, which had not been built yet, but not as enormous as the historical edifice. Meg smiled. She slung the bow over her shoulder and headed toward the building, hugging her cloak tightly about her body as a rash of goosebumps began to spread through-out her limbs.
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Post by simba on Jul 5, 2009 10:53:39 GMT -5
Meg's so strong, I really enjoyed reading about her mental training! =)
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Post by megatude on Aug 4, 2009 16:23:08 GMT -5
I adore strong female leads!
Hercules always rose to meet the sun. Sometimes earlier, beating the fiery orb before it shuffled places with its night-time counter-part. After being raised on a farm for a good 2/3 of his life, such a habit had become natural and ingrained into his daily routine. So he always had the advantage of an early start, rising before most others even stirred from the last stages of sleep. Which is why it surprised him when a figure came to the stadium at such an hour. This was where he usually came when something weighed heavily on his mind. It gave him the chance to think on his own without Phil's constant nagging. It had everything he needed to practice and improve his continuous training drills. Taking a deep breath to focus his determination, he charged strong at the wooden vault, his speed increasing with each stride. He jumped, gripping the vault on either side, sailing through the air and performed a flawless, triple aerial somersault, before landing square on his feet without so much as a wobble.
Meg heard the rushing of feet as she approached the stadium, could almost feel the earth beneath her feet quaking with each powerful footfall. When she stood within the arched entrance, witnessing the hero as he performed his spectacular stunts, she quickly fell back into the shadows, standing-by to watch. She had a keen talent for keeping herself hidden when needed.
As Hercules regained his balance, he nearly leaped out of his sandals when a burst of applause shattered still morning. He whipped his head about, searching out the source, ashamed that he'd let his guard down. His nerves were on end, fearing it was a crazed early bird fan about to run him down. Still clapping, Meg emerged from hiding, stunning Hercules in his place, she was the last person he'd ever expected to seek him out. A small part of him, in the back of his mind, wished that she was here to run him down.
"Bravo, Wonderboy."
The hero's cheeks flushed. "Meg!? Wh..what're you doing here?" Not that he really cared for her reasons, he was just excited to see her.
"I was actually hoping we could get some shooting lessons in today." She shrugged off the bow. "Ya know, you really should consider going out for the Olympics. You'd certainly qualify in my books." They were, after all, rooted in Greece. Judging from what she'd just witnessed, he'd undoubtedly dominate ever event with a flurry of Gold Medals. Herc looked downcast. It would be an unforgettable experience, for sure, but with his blessed abilities he knew it would be unfair to the other competitors if he participated.
"Phil would like me to sign-up, he thinks it would be good for the public outlook. But, I have a responsibility to protect the people of this fair City-state."
Meg blinked. This guy was full of surprises, never fully playing the part of the star celebrity that he obviously was. She honestly didn't know what to make of him, always shattering her expectations of a male figure. She smirked. "You're weird, Wonderboy, but in a good way. So, how about that lesson?"
He nodded enthusiastically. "Sure!" Phil wouldn't like it, but he'd still be exercising, in a way. Either way, being with Meg outweighed the trivial expectancies on Phil's daily list of requirements. "I'll get things set-up." Since the stadium was readily stocked with the necessary weapons and equipment, it took little time to pre-pair a make-shift range.
As Meg released shot after shot, Hercules stood-by, offering support and advise when the situation required, even though she was doing very well on her own skill. After a few group-sets, he thought now would be a good time to turn the tables and let the teacher become the student. When Meg's quiver lay empty, she went ahead to retrieve her arrows. Gripping their stiff feathered tips, she smoothly removed the embedded, sharp, arrow tips from the wooden target. As well as those stray, mangy arrows that somehow strayed off course and lay sitting innocently in the dirt. After she refilled the quiver, she gratefully handed it all back to Hercules, stretching and rolling her stiffened arms. To his astonishment, he noticed her bearing the cloth he'd torn for her, from his own clothing, wrapped neatly on her forearm. This pleased him greatly.
"Did that wear you out?"
"No", Meg grunted, reaching behind her back and raising her arms as high as her body would permit. "Not really. I like it. The feeling of fatigue in your muscles." She was having casual conversation with the young hero, like one would converse with a....friend. She physically had to take a step back and remember what type of creature she was dealing with here.
"So, Meg, I was wondering, if you're not too tired, maybe we could go over some combat moves?"
Meg was about to politely decline, which was another shock. When was she ever polite to a guy? Then again, she did promise, and, though she hated to admit it, she was having fun. She grinned mischievously. "Sure. Why not? We'll start off easy, I wouldn't want to hurt you."
Herc smiled with the same playful glint. "I'd appreciate it if you did." He instinctively took a step toward her.
Such exchanges were becoming more and more frequent with each moment they spent in each other's company. Right on cue, before things got too serious and heavy, Meg's hard core resilience kicked-in with all its fury and slapped her across the face.
"Right, then, let's get started."
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Post by megatude on Aug 27, 2009 16:31:12 GMT -5
People still reading........? Just wondering if I'm wasting my time.
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Post by simba on Aug 29, 2009 1:25:12 GMT -5
I'm still reading! =) And I'm absolutely sure that it's not just me.
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Post by megatude on Aug 29, 2009 22:16:28 GMT -5
Good to know.
Back to business. Any hint of light-hearted feelings were erased as Meg fell into her competitive nature, she was back in her mastery arts. 'Let's see what this muscle man's got!' She hiked her skirt up to her knees and gathered the loose fabric into a secure knot, so her legs would be able to move more freely without getting herself tangled up in her dress. Herc blanched, trying his best not to stare at the alarming sight of Meg's bare, ivory legs. When she finished, she stood upright, just in time to notice her student's head turned distractedly, intently, toward the sky. She looked down upon herself, instinct relaying his obvious discomfort. 'This guy must have lived an awfully sheltered life on that old farm', Meg thought, smiling to herself. But this respectable trait made him who he was, and it was starting to grow on her. She cleared her throat.
"Oh, ready?" Making it a point to avert his gaze from her shapely legs. Though, what did it matter where he looked? Every part of her was a sight to behold.
"When you're standing toe-to-toe with an opponent, the most effective technique to adopt in such situations is something we like to call, 'close quarters combat' or CQC for short." Adapting to role of instructor, she circled 'round her student with a very strict pose; right hand grasping the left wrist behind her stiffened back. "It's a series of calculated punches and blows while still maintaining one's defenses." Ceasing her rounds, she halted to face him, her eyes cold and concentrated. Herc, as always stared on nervously, unsure how to interpret what she had in store for their combat lesson.
With lightning fast dexterity, she struck out at him, throwing her fist toward his vulnerable, open face. She connected with his cheek, though not at full strength. She was, after all, engaging a student in his first lesson. The hero didn't even flinch, feeling virtually no pain from the blow.
"Oh, sorry", Meg apologized, a bit embarrassed. "I guess I got a bit carried away."
"Don't worry about it", he chuckled in good humor, massaging his cheek out of human habit. Though being the strongest man alive, he was still half-mortal. His physical body was still prone to its limits, with the capacity to bleed, bruise, and feel pain to an extent, like all mortal beings. But after seeing this move performed, he was confident it could be predicted and ultimately avoided.
Meg had never encountered a male opponent that hadn't kept a grudge against her at having the upper hand, for the simple fact that she was a girl. Hercules didn't appear offended. He actually looked quite eager to continue. The more she got to know him, the less she understood. Cause, let's face it, Herc was not your typical average male. She struggled to ignore his growing attractive qualities and proceed with the lesson. "Right then", composing herself. "That's one good thing to remember; always keep your guard on high alert, no matter who's company you're in. There's always a chance someone's going to test you."
Herc looked troubled. "But surely this can't include your friends and loved ones. They're the people that hold your trust sacred."
"There is always the exception", Meg scoffed. But before he could question her opinion, she abruptly changed the subject, folding her arms. "Hit me."
That was a definite shift of the tide. Herc took a step back. "What?!"
"Try to hit me", she repeated. "Don't worry, I guarantee you'll miss." Her voice was dripping with confidence.
The hero's heart plunged into the depths of his stomach. Never before had he been requested to strike a girl, such actions were the works of a coward. And the fact that she was requesting him to do so, was even more puzzling."I....I can't do that, Meg."
She understood his reluctance, it went against the code of ethics that he'd grown-up with. She secretly admired his respect. But how was she suppost to teach and instruct him with his reluctance to get physically involved? She couldn't think of a male substitute to stand-in her place. Anyone that remotely qualified was indefinitely unavailable. She unwound her arms and dropped them at her sides.
"Try not to think of me like that. Try to see me as an opponent. This is nothing more than simple sparring, no one's going to get hurt......" She smiled, full of humor. "You have my word."
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Post by simba on Aug 31, 2009 9:34:47 GMT -5
the beginning part about her legs made me laugh! ;D Herc is so cute.
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Post by megatude on Oct 3, 2009 20:35:59 GMT -5
Hercules still wasn't sure, and he definitely didn't like it. But Meg was very insistent that this was the best stratagem to teach him. She seemed to know what she was doing, since he had watched her practice before. Still, the whole thing made him sick. He gritted his teeth, bearing his profound reluctance, curled his fingers into a loose fist and swung.
Meg easily dodged his weak attempt without hardly shifting her stance. She smoothly swept a leg past his feet, tripping the hero into the dirt.
He grunted as the air was expelled from his lungs. He pushed himself up into a seated position, shamefully, a little surprised that Meg was able to overtake him, a much larger being.
She stood over him now, a tower of confidence. "THAT was for not taking this lesson seriously. You call that 'love tap' a punch?!"
He flinched slightly on her choice of words.
"I know what you're thinking...."
Herc gulped. He sure hoped not, trying to avoid the blush creeping into his face.
"You're trying to work out how I; a much smaller person than yourself, could possibly take you down with very little effort."
He bowed his head, slightly ashamed of his closed mind.
"It's because I used your force against you. Also, you let you're guard down because you felt the odds were in your corner." She bent down closer to emphasize her words. "Expect the unexpected." She reached a hand to him. "Now, are you ready to try again, for real this time?"
Herc nodded and smiled in good sport. He accepted her hand to ease him to his feet. As his hand slid into hers, he couldn't help but notice how smooth and soft her palm was. Now he definitely felt the red in his features.
Meg was taken aback. For a moment, she relished his strong, firm grip cradling her hand. As best she could, she shifted back to the matter at present, drawing back her hand and absentmindedly wiped it on her skirt. She whipped her battle-stray hair behind her as a grateful stall, shrugging off any distracting auras. "Fine. I'm going to demonstrate an escape move, to further prove that appearances can be deceiving. It's obvious that you....." waving a hand before him. "..could ultimately take me down in a toe-to-toe fight. But, with the skills I posses, I am still capable of escaping battle. Kay, now act like you're coming at me from behind." She turned her back to him. "Lock your arms around my waist."
Herc swallowed, sweat purging from his forehead in anticipation to embracing her, in a sense.
She looked over her shoulder when he hesitated. "Trust me, OK?"
Herc swiped his palms on his tunic in an attempt to erase the perspiration. He averted his eyes as he reached out to trap his victim. Out of sight, out of mind, right? At least that was what he was hoping for. Not true, in this case. The hero bit his lip as a way to distract his mind. This was all dejavu from the other day during the Archery lesson.
As long as Meg felt she was the one in control, instructing and giving directions, she could handle him being so close. "Now, I'm going to demonstrate how I break away. Tighten you grip a little, but not so much that you smash my ribs to pieces."
"Okay...." He acknowledged shakily, squeezing his eyes shut as he tightened his hold. He felt a significant change in temperature about his torso compared to that of the air around him, where their bodies met. He struggled to keep his mind focused and away from dangerous waters.
"As promised, I'm not going to hurt you, but there might be some necessary roughness." As neatly as she could, Meg slammed her foot onto Herc's. Catching him by surprise, his grip on her slackened, as was expected. While vulnerable, Meg broke completely free from his grip. She swung her left leg back and around so that she now stood behind him. Before he could comprehend what was happening, Meg bent out her opponent's knees, causing Herc to loose his balance and fall backward in a panic. Purely out of human instinct, to right himself upon his slipping feet, he reached out for anything his fingers could grasp in order to brace himself. And the only thing that was conveniently at hand was Meg. He caught the loose fabric of her skirts and pulled her down with him. Herc landed unceremoniously on the flat of his back. Meg soon followed, meeting his chest, both grunting upon impact, the wind knocked out of them. Catching his breath, Herc opened his eyes expecting to see colored stars flare. Instead, not four-inches from his, hovered Meg's lovely face, still shaking off the disorientation.
"Ooohhh, crash landing", she moaned as she pressed a hand behind her neck. Only when her head cleared did she dare expose her purple eyes to the light. Their gazes locked, unblinking, the warm breath of one mingling with the other in a puffy cloud. Neither moved. Herc, especially, making a conscience effort to lie still as a corpse. His arms lay at his sides. The temptation to close her arms around her waist and hold her against himself was aggravating, his fingers clenched and pried at the dust beneath his finger-tips with a slight tremble. He prayed she could not hear his fluttering heart as it battered against the breastplate that adorned his chest excitedly. He felt the urge to stretch out his neck and claim her lips with his own. Still, knowing that such a forward gesture would spell ultimate disaster, he withheld himself with great effort, pressing his lips together for good measure. Eyes half closed, Meg wondered if maybe she'd received a concussion, for she was having trouble keeping focused, her mind in a haze. Her brain finally snapped at attention, bailing her out at the last minute. Using the hero for leverage, Meg pushed herself off from Herc's chest. In doing so, her hands sensed the powerful strength within his armored plate. It felt structurally solid. A flash of fire and color erupted upon her pale features as she stood abruptly, taking a few steps back to put some distance between the two of them. Herc looked on, propped up upon his elbows. Meg turned away, her billowing hair keeping her expression hidden within its shadow. She must have been working too hard, because she felt terribly flush, like she was running a high fever. 'What's the deal?' she complained inwardly as she began to fan herself with desperation in frantic waves. 'It's practically Winter and it feels like I'm sweltering in a sauna.'
Finally getting to his feet, Herc watched her with deep concern. "Are you alright, Meg?"
She continued to feel the furry of her blush as she shifted from his inquiring eye, using both hands to suppress the heat.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?"
'Where's the Ice Age when you need it?!' "No", she assured. "I'm fine."
Shamefaced, the hero looked downcast, fiddling nervously with his fingers. "I'm sorry. I messed up everything."
She was surprised by his lack of confidence within himself. Meg turned, thankful that she was recovering due to distraction. "What makes you say that? It was an accident."
He scoffed. "With me, it's always an accident. It's like a curse."
The heat returned, but the cause was contagious. Herc's frustrations was obviously catching, because Meg was certainly feeling it. "Alright, that's enough!"
Stunned by her sudden outburst, his head jerked up, surprised. His expression aghast.
Meg stood firm, fists planted into the grooves of her curvy waist. "This has got to stop NOW. It doesn't do any good to feel sorry for yourself. Wallowing in self pity gets you nowhere, it accomplishes exactly nothing. When you say 'I can't', that's the time to prove yourself wrong and defy the odds." Meg was almost impressed by herself. "Look at all you've done so far. I remember you telling me once that your peers used to look down upon you, with teasing and mockery. But now, that world has spun on a different axis. Those who once ridiculed and humiliated you, now envy and admire you. So you have no cause whatsoever to doubt yourself." Why she'd said those things, she didn't know. Maybe it was that pity thing again. Who knew? But it did have its positive effects:
Herc could see her point, and it gave him a whole new perspective. He had made a difference, despite what many others thought of him. It also brought him great strength to know that this woman had faith in him, his attraction toward her increased ten-fold. Though, something had bothered him about her speech; The earth spinning? How could such movement be possible with the planet's awkward shape? Having been taught that the earth was as flat as Pita Bread. But such misconceptions were of little concern. He felt the powerful urge to go to her. "Meg.....I....."
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