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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 17, 2013 16:24:08 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 17, 2013 16:24:08 GMT -5
Dutch groaned as Grizzelda began to work his muscles. He could feel them twitching under her hands and his eyes closed. With a bowed head he shifted his shoulders under the pressure Grizz applied. He opened one eye to look back at the woman as she seemed to ignore his question.
"That's it?"
He replied when she finally spoke. Dutch shook his head in disbelief. Was it really that simple? He did everything he could to not follow his gut. His father had drilled that in. It was important to listen to yourself, but lethal to not listen to what was around you. His train of thought was shattered as her hand pressed into a particularly sore muscle and his teeth clenched with a growl.
"What happened... when your gut lead you wrong?"
Dutch said between clenched teeth as he twisted his neck to help stretch the muscle.
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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Fire cannot kill a dragon.
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 17, 2013 16:52:31 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 17, 2013 16:52:31 GMT -5
"I got stabbed in the back. Literally." Grizzelda shrugged. The thing about survival instinct was, you had to get by on dumb luck or fate for a while until your instincts actually got good enough to keep you alive. Grizzelda had been getting in trouble since she was a kid, which gave her plenty of experience getting out of it. For as much as the philosophers liked to talk about civilization, it was still survival of the fittest in the majority of the Galaxy.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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last online Apr 30, 2020 12:47:50 GMT -5
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Apr 17, 2013 17:04:31 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 17, 2013 17:04:31 GMT -5
"That musta hurt..."
Dutch said. He parted from Grizz' touch to turn slightly to see her better.
"I'm sorry that happened."
His words had genuine apology in them. He rose to his feet in front of her and rotated the shoulder she had been working on. Dutch massaged the arm a bit more and looked down at her. Just who are you...
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 18, 2013 11:02:03 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 18, 2013 11:02:03 GMT -5
Grizzelda laughed. "I'm not. Bit like hell, though I think it hurt my pride more than anything else. But I lived and I killed the bastard who did it and I learned. One of the best things that ever happened to me, actually."
Grizzelda watched Dutch regain his bearings. "So what're you going to do, Dutch, you gonna learn, or you gonna get yourself killed again?" She taunted.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 18, 2013 15:08:45 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 18, 2013 15:08:45 GMT -5
Dutch couldn't help but chuckle along with Grizz. He nodded to her words.
"Dad always said it's the bad things in life that show who we really are."
His hands moved up to run through his hair, damp from sweat. His eyes glanced up at Grizzelda as she queried.
"I learned. Always was a slow learner though. Al's the smart one. But I'm cuter."
Dutch said with a light grin. He straightened himself out and cracked his knuckles. His head would nod that he was ready for another rod.
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 20, 2013 17:19:15 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 20, 2013 17:19:15 GMT -5
Grizzelda replied with a skeptical look. She took the offensive from the start this time, cutting in at Dutch from this angle and then that. His blocks were markedly sharper than they had been a week ago, Grizz was happy to see progress.
He even managed to get a solid hold on her wrist, but before she kneed him in the stomach, she looked over his shoulder. "Oh, Hey Mo."
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 20, 2013 17:57:20 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 20, 2013 17:57:20 GMT -5
He returned Grizzelda's look with a smile which quickly faded as she lunged forward. Dutch did his best to block her attacks, her strikes surprisingly heavy for her size. It was like being in the ring again at that moment, the dance's steps familiar.
His heart leaped as he managed to snap a grapple onto her. It leaped again as he heard Grizz greet Mo, but realized too late that it was a trick. Her knee struck hard and Dutch doubled over with an 'oof!'. He growled and tossed the blaster aside to tackle Grizzelda, his shoulder catching under her sternum.
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 20, 2013 20:11:46 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 20, 2013 20:11:46 GMT -5
Grizzelda bent backwards, and Dutch's shoulder swept over her chest rather than knock her over. As Dutch continued forward, she dropped a hand to the ground and bent her knees, sliding her weigh forward so that her back caught across Dutch's knees.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 20, 2013 22:37:16 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 20, 2013 22:37:16 GMT -5
Dutch tumbled to the ground with a series of grunts. That's gonna bruise... He thought as he lay sprawled on his back. By then he had near exhausted his energy it felt. Every time his abs flexed to lift himself, they instead quivered and his back would plant back to the ground.
"Damn..."
He growled as his hands moved to wipe the sweat from his face. His breath was ragged and Dutch bent his knees to plant his feet on the cold ground.
"Been doing this for weeks now, didn't think it'd take so long."
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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Apr 21, 2013 0:59:52 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 0:59:52 GMT -5
She shrugged. "You just said you were a slow learner. "
Grizzelda whistled sharply as a young boy scrambled past.
"I'll give you two credits if you bring me two canteens of water. Four if you do it fast."
His face lit up and he was off, and as he returned red-faced and panting, Grizzelda stayed true to her word, and he went off to brag about the prize to his friends.
Grizzelda held a hand and s canteen down to Dutch. "C'mon, it's time to cool off. Otherwise you're gonna get stuck like that."
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 21, 2013 11:50:28 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 21, 2013 11:50:28 GMT -5
Dutch laughed
"Heh, thought my body was the exception."
He watched as Grizz dealt with the boy, one Dutch recognized as one of the orphans that inhabited Homestead. One of too many. Dutch grabbed Grizzelda's hand and let her help him to his feet- though far from steadily.
His hands greedily grabbed the offered canteen and he stood there chugging the cool drink like it was his last.
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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Apr 21, 2013 12:10:25 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 12:10:25 GMT -5
Grizzelda raised an eyebrow and snatched the canteen back. She clicked her tongue. "You're going to make yourself sick."
She picked up her pistol and twisted it around a finger, deftly snapping the cartridge back into place and returning it to her holster. She was skilled enough with her fists and a blade, but there were enough out in the world who could match her. Put a pistol in her hand, though...
She grinned at the thought.
"C'mon Cupcake, walk it off."
She started toward the outer wall of the room, his canteen still in hand.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 21, 2013 12:40:54 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 21, 2013 12:40:54 GMT -5
"B-but!"
His hand tried to grab the canteen back, but was distracted by how fluidly she handled her weapon. Dutch was a good shot with his pistol, but it was clear that Grizzelda outclassed him by a ridiculous amount.
He smiled back at her. For a moment.
"...Cupcake?"
Dutch asked incredulously. He moved to follow Grizz, his legs tensing and cramping as he pursued her.
"Now you just wait a minute there Sunshine!"
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 21, 2013 13:32:48 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 13:32:48 GMT -5
"The sunniest," Grizzelda purred, a little strut in her step.
"Hurry up, Cupcake." She walked purposefully toward the room's exit, though she didn't really know where she wanted to go yet. She dangled the canteen before Dutch like a treat in front of a dog.
She'd made it her personal mission to ensure that the young leader would be able to deal with whatever sh-t came his way. Hell knew she didn't want anything to do with being in charge.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 21, 2013 13:41:39 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 21, 2013 13:41:39 GMT -5
Dutch grumbled at her response, though his eyes did dip for a quick check of Grizzelda's rear. His attention snapped away as once again she called him 'Cupcake', a scowl touching his face.
"Cruel and unusual..."
He growled as he pined for more of that water. Dutch did his best to pick up his pace and follow her, ignoring the cramps that tried to seize his legs and back. He was gonna get that canteen, even if it was the last thing he did. Though part of him did wonder where Grizz was leading them to next.
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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last online Oct 30, 2014 9:41:46 GMT -5
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Apr 21, 2013 21:29:06 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 21:29:06 GMT -5
The armory seemed like as good a place as any. Bosco ought to be there at this time of day, Grizzelda hadn't seen him much the last couple of days. She was there during the nighttime hours, more often than not, ensuring that the DLA's weaponry was up to snuff. It was a lot of work, but it was a nice break from Grizzelda's usual nonstop pace. Steady work, clear expectations, clear standards. She understood why people settled down. Two weeks and she'd be bored out of her mind though.
She slowed enough for Dutch to finally catch up as they left the main room for the more confined space of the hallway.
"You chug that, and I'll make sure you see it again," she said as Dutch finally reached the canteen.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 21, 2013 21:34:22 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 21, 2013 21:34:22 GMT -5
Dutch followed Grizzelda. He would occasionally nod at anyone who greeted them, simply too tired to raise an arm to wave back. The shock of his wakening had worn off on the crowd, and he was truly amazed that word had not spread out from Homestead to the Sith that he was awake. At least they made no indication of hearing the rumors. That thought alone disturbed him.
"Right."
He coughed in response as he finally caught up and snagged the canteen back. Instead of slamming the liquid, he watched Grizz wearily as he began to sip. After a few drags of the drink, he lowered the beverage before wiping his mouth with the back of his arm.
"Now where're we goin' Grizz?"
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Kella
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Apr 21, 2013 21:38:37 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 21:38:37 GMT -5
She turned and walked backwards for a few moments, still easily outpacing Dutch, and indulged in her own canteen.
"Don't worry, there are lots of shackles and belts, and even a whip or two somewhere, I think."
She grinned devlishly and turned back around.
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Dutch
Darth Awesome, Specialist at Everything
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Apr 21, 2013 21:49:28 GMT -5
Post by Dutch on Apr 21, 2013 21:49:28 GMT -5
Dutch tried his best to keep pace with Grizz, but it was clear that she was in much, much better shape than him at that moment. He was going to change that. He would show her. His arm brought up the canteen to drink. Until she spoke. Dutch coughed and sputtered as he choked on the water from Grizzelda's words. He stared back at her with an almost fearful expression.
"But... uh... wait, where?"
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Kella
Fire and Blood
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Apr 21, 2013 21:59:54 GMT -5
Post by Kella on Apr 21, 2013 21:59:54 GMT -5
Grizzelda responded only with a mischievous smirk, step not faltering in the slightest. She could make her way to the armory blindfolded and drugged. Actually, she should try that sometime, make sure she was staying sharp...
As for Dutch, he could squirm a bit. Grizzelda would quite enjoy recounting the tale to Mo later.
Hm, maybe she was already bored, and picking up instigation as a new hobby. That sounded about right.
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