The Five Times Valek KO'ed Yelena
Part 1:
"Come on, love," Valek coaxed. "I know you can do better than that." Annoyed, Yelena attacked again with her staff, jabbing and poking where she could, but unfortunately, Valek continued to block each one.
It was another one of their private "training sessions." Janco never believed her when she made her excuses.
"Hold on," Valek said. They paused in their fighting, and he pointed out her stance and grip on her staff. Yelena groaned. Valek apologised. "I'm sorry, but you did agree to this." Taking in her exasperated expression, he said, "How about a straight fight?"
Yelena was unable to resist the challenge, and soon they started. Valek grinned. He loved a good fight, and Yelena was one of his best opponents. They fighting resumed, with more vigour and excitement than before. Valek settled in his 'zone', the place where he could concentrate, and block out the outside world. Yelena had a zone too – but it was magical. His wasn't. Strategies and thoughts raced through his head – which would be the best way to dispatch his opponent?
Yelena flinched as a not-so-light blow struck her leg. She backed away, blocking whatever she could but Valek continued to whack her body, his face a mask of complete concentration. "Valek!" Yelena cried as another blow hit her ribs. She hissed, and glared. "Hey! Snap out of it!" Valek ignored her, pushing her back until she was against the wall. "Fine! Be that way." Yelena muttered angrily, and resumed blocking, settling into her mental zone. She predicted his moves, but he was too fast.
Yelena groaned again, but kept attacking, switching from defensive to offensive. It worked a little – the blows came less frequently, but Yelena was still not quite on the offensive – somewhere in between, blocking and hitting at the same time. Maybe more blocking than hitting.
Valek glared – an opponent was never this hard to beat. What was he doing anyway? He sighed inwardly, and with one lightning fast movement, moved his staff to hit his opponent's temple. She went down.
Yelena gave a little squeak, then collapsed. Valek grinned, and stepped out of his fighting stance, suddenly noticing sounds and sights he had ignored when fighting. Then he saw Yelena.
"Oops."