The first time that Masrur had ever sparred with Marina, he could feel the overwhelming embarrassment and self-loathing emanating off of her when she barely able to force him back any distance at all. After fighting her for a while longer, he had called it off, and the two had promptly sat down and set out a training regimen.
Because Marina had been rescued from sex slavery, her slavers trying to force her into prostitution, the only thing she was really excellent in was pain resistance and speed. She knew when to run, and when to take the beating, but she had never been forced to pleasure someone she didn't want to. Her physical strength, while supreme to the average humans, was definitely not up to par with the average Fanalis.
And so, over the next few months of warm weather, Masrur and Marina trained together. Marina did have one up on him, as she could definitely outrun him if she wanted, much to Sharrkan's amusement. A short while ago, the Heliohaptian had arranged a race between all of them, and while Yamuraiha and Pisti came in dead last, Spartos had refused to compete, but Sinbad and Sharrkan had tied. But to their utter astonishment, after they both outran Hinahoho and Drakon, Marina and Masrur were tied for a short while. But after they turned the flag and came running back, Marina seemed to start to teleport. She edged in front of Masrur and took off, moving faster than anyone had ever seen.
He smirked as he recalled the event, and everyone's openmouthed stares as Marina had floated across the finish line well ahead of him, smirking so hard it threatened to be a smile. He looked over at the beautiful young Fanalis to his left, and watched as she practiced her punches and kicks with hefty boulders strapped her arms and ankles. She was growing steadily stronger, and had come a long way from when they first began. He turned to face her, watching her train some more.
"Marina." His voice was calm, and patient. He wanted to test her progress.
"Yes?" She turned, and untied the rocks from her limbs, looking up at him when she finished.
He found no need for words, and instead settled into an easy fighting stance, watching as the breeze ruffled her long red hair. Marina's red eyes lit up with what he was suggesting, and she came at him, delivering the first of what would be their regular sparring sessions.