Chapter 31
Practice makes perfect
At Camp Half-Blood
Dean decided to spend the day at Camp training. His weapon training was coming along nicely, he began to adapt to the various fighting styles.
Chiron always kept him busy no matter what exercise he did. Whether it was dueling, wall climbing, log hopping, archery, there was always something extra he made him do.
At the moment he was by the sandpits with Chiron and Richie. His dueling had begun to draw more and more people every time to the point where Dean ended up sparring with almost every half-blood at camp.
"Ready?" Chiron asked.
Dean and Richie nodded.
"Begin" Chiron said.
Richie thrusted his spear forward.
Dean deflected the attack upward and stabbed with his sword as he moved closer.
Richie blocked but was pushed back from the force of the attack.
Dean closed the distance between them and slashed at his legs.
Richie didn't move fast enough and was cut by his ankle.
Dean then slashed vertically and Richie blocked by raising his shield.
Richie then thrusted his spear towards Dean's shoulder.
Dean moved just enough to dodge it and then used his sword to chop off the tip of the spear.
Richie looked at the now shortened staff he was holding in disbelief, "Good move" he admitted.
Dean kicked away the spear tip, "Thank you" he then ran towards him.
Richie swung the staff in his hands hoping to hit him.
Dean then rolled on the ground, avoiding the staff, and came up holding his blade to Richie's throat.
"Very good Dean" Chiron said looking pleased with his progress.
Dean lowered his weapon, "Good fight"
"Thanks but you were great" Richie said with a smile. The two of them had become friends over their many times dueling together.
"Alright then, who else would like to try?" Chiron asked.
The crowd remained silent, not out of fear, just concern.
"Beckendorf why don't you give it a try" Chiron said.
Beckendorf stepped forward, "Don't worry Chiron, I'll kick his ass" he said with a smirk.
"Hey that's no way to talk to your uncle" Dean joked.
Beckendorf picked up his shield and hammer, "Yeah keep talking Dean"
Dean fought him a couple of times, that hammer of his is strong but slow. He entered his stance, "You ready?"
Beckendorf nodded.
"Begin" Chiron said.
Beckendorf charged first hoping to gain an advantage with swift and powerful attacks.
Dean dodged the attacks rather than block to counter attack faster.
Beckendorf swung his hammer left and right trying to land a hit but Dean kept dodging.
Dean then slashed Beckendorf 's hammer arm and opened a gash.
Beckendorf smacked Dean with his shield pushing him away.
Dean rolled backwards and got back on his feet.
Beckendorf looked at the gash and winced, "That hurt dude"
Dean flipped his sword in an arc, "I'll be more careful next time" he said with a cocky grin.
Beckendorf charged at him and swung his hammer low.
Dean jumped over the hammer but didn't have time to dodge the next consecutive attack. He was forced to block with his shield knocking him down.
Beckendorf raised his hammer for a heavy attack.
Dean blocked with his shield but still felt the force of the attack. He then swept Beckendorf's legs making him fall.
As he hit the ground Dean knocked his shield out of his hands.
Beckendorf retaliated by hitting him in the stomach with his hammer.
Dean winced from the pain.
They both got to their feet at the same time.
Beckendorf charged at him and swung his hammer using two hands.
Dean blocked with his shield but Beckendorf hit it so hard that he knocked it out of Dean's hand.
"Jesus" Dean kicked him in the chest knocking him backwards, "You're fired up today nephew" he joked.
Beckendorf laughed, "Oh now you're just asking for it!" he charged at him again.
Dean ducked underneath his swing and sliced his ribcage.
Beckendorf slowed down, "Ow that hurts" he winced.
Dean flipped his sword in an arc, "You can stop if you want" he said optimistically.
"Yeah you wish" Beckendorf approached him slower than before.
'He's getting tired' Dean thought as he moved closer.
Beckendorf swung his hammer downward but Dean grabbed his hand and went for a vertical slash. Beckendorf grabbed his hand and then the two of them struggled to overpower the other.
'Damn he's strong' Dean admitted as he tried his best to push him back.
Beckendorf slowly started to gain ground.
Dean pulled him back and flipped him over.
Beckendorf landed on his back.
Dean went to slash downward but Beckendorf blocked with his Hammer.
Beckendorf then grabbed Dean's hand and threw him with all his might.
Dean flipped in the air and landed gracefully on the ground.
By the time he did Beckendorf had leapt into the air and was about to bring his hammer down.
Dean backed away at the last second letting Beckendorf strike the ground.
Dean then put his foot over Charlie's hammer and put his blade by his neck.
"Damn" Beckendorf said in defeat.
"Try not to be so hasty next time Charlie" Chiron said.
Dean smirked, "Good try though" he helped him up.
"That cut on my arm slowed me down just enough to miss" Beckendorf noticed.
"How bout that" Dean said with a smirk.
"Justin why don't you give it a try" Chiron said.
Justin, from the Athena cabin, stepped forward using the classic sword and shield.
"Alright" Dean cracked his neck, "Let's do this" he entered a defensive stance.
Justin entered an offensive stance to counter his.
"Begin" Chiron said.
Justin attacked from multiple angles testing Dean's defenses.
Dean managed to block the attacks and counter attacked.
Justin moved swiftly and blocked every attack without leaving an opening.
Dean backed away and the two of them stared each other down.
'He's not bad' Dean thought.
Justin slashed horizontally.
Dean blocked it with ease and countered with an overhead slash.
Justin blocked it by raising his shield over his head and he stabbed towards Dean's gut.
Dean deflected the blade off his shield and spun around with a horizontal slash.
Justin blocked but allowed the force of the hit to push him. He rolled to his right and slashed at Dean's feet. He managed to cut Dean's calf.
Dean backed away to gain some breathing room, 'Not bad at all, this'll be tough'
Their swords and shields clashed in a never ending attempt to outdo the other but they were of equal skill.
Dean bashed Justin's shield with his own knocking him back and slashed upwards scratching the armor he was wearing.
Justin looked at the long scratch on his chest armor, if he wasn't wearing it his insides would have been pouring out.
Justin then slashed towards Dean's sword arm.
Dean blocked with his right gauntlet, knocked the sword out of Justin's hand with his shield, spun around and smacked him in the face with the flat side of his blade.
Justin was dazed from the hit he took to the face.
Dean then switched his blade to a reverse grip and punched Justin square in the face.
Justin fell on his back.
Dean quickly placed his blade at Justin's throat before he could react.
"An excellent attempt Justin" Chiron commended him.
"But not good enough" Justin said dusting himself off.
"Regardless of the outcome your form was flawless, take pride in that" Chiron said.
"Geez, at this rate it won't be long until I'm your best student" Dean boasted.
Chiron chuckled, "My best student? For a half-blood that's only been here a couple of months you have a lot of confidence in yourself"
"Confidence motivates" Dean said with a smirk.
"Yes but it also blinds" Chiron reminded him.
"How bout you let the big shot fight a worthy opponent?" Clarisse stepped forward.
Dean walked up to her, "Well that sounds like a great idea" he looked eager.
"An intriguing idea but perhaps another time, seeing as how Dean just had three duels he would be at a disadvantage" Chiron said.
"That's right, wouldn't want you to get to lose too fast" Clarisse grinning at him.
"Come Dean, I have another exercise for you" Chiron went to leave.
"No I wanna fight her now" Dean said glaring at her.
Chiron stopped, "That would be very unwise" he warned.
"You better listen big shot" Clarisse said daring him to try.
Dean backed away and entered his stance, "Show me what you got tomboy"
Clarisse picked up her sword and shield and stood across from him.
Chiron sighed, 'He is his father's son' "Very well then, begin"
Dean charged forward in hopes of ending things quickly. He attacked from all angles in a burst of speed.
Clarisse blocked every attack with ease, "You're gonna have to do better than that"
Dean doubled his efforts and tried his absolute best.
Clarisse matched his speed and skill letting nothing pass through her defense.
Dean stopped attacking to catch his breath, 'Damn her, not a single hit'
Clarisse smirked, "You look tired newbie, maybe you should take a nap" she swung her sword diagonally.
Dean went to block with his shield but Clarisse's attack took him off guard and sent him skidding across the ground.
Clarisse slowly walked towards him.
Dean got back on his feet, 'She's stronger than everyone else'
Clarisse blocked an attack with her sword and bashed him in the face with her shield.
Dean spewed out blood.
Clarisse slashed downwards with all her might.
Dean went to block the attack with his sword but she knocked it out of his hand.
Clarisse then smacked him with her shield knocking him down on the ground.
Drops of blood trickled down Dean's mouth, 'C'mon get up' he tried his best to quickly get on his feet.
Clarisse held her blade at his throat, "Looks like I win"
Dean looked enraged to say the least.
Clarisse sheathed her blade.
"That will be all for today everyone" Chiron said and the crowd dissipated.
As everyone left Dean could hear them talking about him.
"Well that didn't last very long"
"Yeah she picked him apart"
Dean punched the ground in anger, "Damn"
Chiron trotted towards him, "A true warrior not only knows how to fight his enemies but outthinks them and plans for any eventuality"
Dean got up, "What's that supposed to mean"
"It means you're supposed to pick your battles, not jump into one every time someone tries to get in your head" Chiron said.
"But I'm the son of Zeus, I can't just back down from a fight. That makes me look weak" Dean said.
"I see one thing you and your father have in common, your pride. If even one person challenges you your pride won't allow you to make the wiser decision, that's a fatal flaw that'll get you killed" Chiron said.
Dean remained silent, he'd rather save his aggression.
"Take the rest of the day off and think about what I've said" Chiron said trotting away.
Dean watched him leave. Once he was gone he mimicked Chiron's voice, "Take the rest of the day off bla-bla-bla, I hope you get flees!" he shouted.
The next day Chiron arrived at the sandpits again with a small crowd already forming.
"Alright then who would like to start?" Chiron asked.
Clarisse stepped forward, "I'm itching for a real challenge" she drew her sword, "Who thinks they got what it takes?"
Dean stepped out of the crowd, "I think you owe me a rematch" he stood on the sandpit across her.
"Back for more already?" Clarisse laughed.
"Are you feeling up to it Dean?" Chiron asked.
"Damn right I am" Dean said locking eyes with Clarisse.
"Alright then, begin" Chiron said.
The two of them went at it right away swords clashing and all. This time Dean felt more able to keep up with Clarisse.
Dean attacked twice then ducked underneath a wide slash.
Clarisse swung her shield at his face.
Dean blocked with his own shield, the same move won't get him twice.
Clarisse then slashed at his legs.
Dean jumped over her blade and sliced her arm.
Clarisse backed away to get some breathing room.
"It won't be so easy this time" Dean said keeping his guard up.
Clarisse looked at the cut on her arm for a second before focusing on him again, "You'll lose, it'll just take a little longer" she said taking a few steps towards him.
Dean mirrored her and also took a few steps towards her.
Clarisse kicked sand in Dean's face.
"Ah!" the sand rendered Dean blind.
Clarisse sliced Dean's hand, making him drop his shield, and bashed his head with her shield.
Dean fell on his back, his head was spinning and his vision obscured.
Clarisse raised her shield to attack with it.
Dean heard her approaching and moved at the last second to avoid it.
Unfortunately, Clarisse moved quickly and bashed his head in with the butt of her sword.
Dean felt dazed, a few more hits to the head and he wouldn't be able to stay conscious.
Clarisse kicked the weapon out of Dean's hand and went to bash him again.
Dean caught her hand and opened his eyes with sparks of lightning.
Clarisse froze with fear. He threw a lightning bolt at her chest that sent her flying backwards.
Dean got up, now able to see, grabbed his sword and charged at her.
Clarisse didn't have enough time to get on her feet so she protected herself with her shield.
Dean repeatedly bashed her shield trying to hit her in a fit of rage but she blocked every time.
Clarisse swept his legs making him fall down and smacked him in the face with her shield on his way down.
She quickly got up and held the point of her blade at Dean's gut ready to skewer him.
"That's enough Clarisse!" Chiron said sternly.
Clarisse heard his commanding voice and backed away.
Dean slowly got to his feet, "I'm not finished" he went to go at her again.
Chiron trotted in front of him, "Yes you are"
Dean glared at him, "Move" he said angrily.
"Get yourself cleaned up, until you can fight with a clear head I won't be training you" Chiron said in a serious tone.
"What?! That's bullshit!" Dean shouted.
Chiron pointed to the medics, "Go"
Dean wanted to say or do something but decided not to and left. After he cleaned himself up and changed his clothes he went to go find Chiron by the big house.
He saw Mr. D sitting by the porch.
"Where's Chiron?" Dean asked.
"He took some of the younger recruits into the woods, said he would be back later" Mr. D said as he read a wine enthusiast magazine.
Dean looked displeased, "I'll wait for him then" he took a seat next to Mr. D.
"I heard you've been quite the troublemaker lately" Mr. D said cheekily.
"I'm the troublemaker?! What about Clarisse?" Dean asked.
"You have no idea how much of a sore loser you sound like now" Mr. D laughed lightly.
Dean's eyes sparked with lightning.
"Oh relax little brother, it's called a joke" Mr. D said flipping a page.
"It's not funny" Dean said with a serious tone.
"Chiron is right you know, your pride is your fatal flaw" Mr. D said.
"Thanks, I already know that" Dean reminded him.
"Oh yes you know it, but when did you realize it? Was it the first ass kicking or the second?" Mr. D joked.
"I'm glad you're having fun with this" Dean said sarcastically.
"You know you're not the first one to have issues with Clarisse" Mr. D said.
"Really who else?" Dean asked.
"That Poseidon child, oh what was his name again?" Mr. D wondered.
"Percy?" Dean said remembering Beckendorf mentioning his name.
"Yes that was it, Perseus Jackson. It's too bad he doesn't stay here all year he would be fun to have around" Mr. D said.
"Where does he live?" Dean asked curiously.
"Manhattan. Perhaps you two should meet, he may be able to provide you with some advice to your problem" Mr. D said.
Dean liked that idea, "Perhaps I will"
Dean walked up the stairs towards the apartment Mr. D told him about.
'I wonder what he looks like' Dean thought.
As he walked towards the door, his sword that was strapped to his waist, loosened, and fell off.
'How did people walk around in these things?' Dean picked up the blade. He removed it from its sheath, to make his job easier, and strapped the sheath to his back, 'Much better'
A person walked by, glanced at him, then kept on walking.
Dean chuckled, 'It's funny how no one see's what I'm holding'
I didn't know it at the time but I was about to meet my best friend
Percy Jackson opened his door to go out and stopped abruptly when he saw Dean.
Percy was eating an apple, slowly chewing on the fruit, and froze as soon as he saw the celestial bronze weapon in Dean's hand as if he were ready for a fight.
Percy instinctively dropped the apple and hit Dean with a right cross.
And I have you as my witness to see that he threw the first punch
Dean was knocked down from the unexpected attack.
Percy grabbed riptide out of his pocket, clicked the top, and the blade grew in his hand.
He slashed downward and Dean blocked with his own weapon, the edge of his weapon only inches from his face.
"Who are you?" Percy asked.
Dean glared at Percy, "Someone you shouldn't have pissed off" he kicked Percy in the chest knocking him back.
Dean jumped to his feet just in time to block another downward slash. In these narrow halls only vertical attacks would work.
Dean pushed him back and thrusted his blade forward.
Percy cartwheeled across the floor avoiding the attack and slashed his back.
Dean yelped, "Ah!" Celestial bronze was more painful than regular metal. He turned around and lightning sparked in his eyes, "That's it!" Dean moved faster than Percy could react and tackled him right through the sheet rock walls.
The two of them landed on the floor inside an apartment. Their weapons scattered somewhere.
An old lady who was sitting on a lounge chair gasped, "Oh my"
The two boys got up groggily.
"Sorry Mrs. Rosario" Percy apologized, then punched Dean in the gut.
That knocked the wind out of him, "Cheap shot" Dean muttered.
Percy then kicked him in the chest.
Dean was knocked back into the window shattering the glass. He managed to hold on so he didn't fall out.
'That was close' Dean thought as he climbed back in.
Percy threw a right hook but Dean ducked under it and came back up to clock him in the jaw.
Percy was sent flying backwards into the bathroom.
Percy smashed into the bathroom sink and water started spraying everywhere.
Dean slowly approached him, "I think you should sit down before you hurt yourself"
Percy felt the water rejuvenating him, "I don't know about you" he got up, "But I'm just getting started!" He threw a punch and the water around him formed into a fist and hit Dean.
Dean tumbled across the floor.
Percy expected him to stay down after a hit like that but he just got right back up.
Lightning began to crackle around Dean's body.
Percy eyes widened at the sight before him, "Oh boy"
Dean threw a lightning bolt that shocked the life out of Percy. The water around him made it feel worse than it was.
Then the two of them charged at each other.
"Percy!" Someone shouted.
They froze.
Percy looked over and saw his mother staring at the two of them.
"Hey ma" Percy said sheepishly.
"Percy what's going on?" Sally asked.
Dean looked at him, "Wait, you're Percy?"
"Yeah, why?" Percy asked.
"I'm from Camp Half-Blood" Dean said.
Percy facepalmed, "Aw man"
Sally invited Dean into their home and was cleaning his wound.
"You really don't need to do that, it'll heal on its own" Dean said.
"Better safe than sorry" Sally said as she dabbed rubbing alcohol on his back wound.
Percy held an ice pack to his face where a big bruise was growing, "Give him all the attention why don't you, it's not like I'm hurt"
"Weren't you the one that started it?" Sally asked.
"He had his sword drawn!" Percy argued, "What was I supposed to do?"
"I probably would have done the same thing" Dean admitted.
"You boys need to learn to ask questions first" Sally said.
Dean got up, "That's good enough" he put his shirt back on.
"Well now that you're fixed up do you mind telling me who you are and what you want?" Percy asked.
"The name is Dean, son of Zeus. I was told there was another child of the big three" Dean said.
Percy figured he was a child of Zeus when he saw his lightning bolt, "I didn't think there were any other big three kids still alive"
"Is there somewhere we can talk privately?" Dean asked.
"Sure" Percy said leading the way.
Dean and Percy sat by his fire escape.
"Sorry I made a mess of the place, I should have realized it was you when you used the water. I guess I was just caught up in the moment" Dean said.
"No don't worry about it, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I've just been on edge since someone tried to kill me not too long ago" Percy said.
"That's understandable" Dean said.
"It's gonna be a pain to pay for all the damage" Percy said already knowing his mom is going to make him do something for it.
"Don't worry about it, I'll pay for it all" Dean said feeling bad.
"No I can't let you do that, it's not right" Percy said.
"Trust me, don't worry about it. My family is rich" Dean said.
"Oh" Percy sounded surprised, "Well go ahead then" he laughed.
"Hey if you live so close to camp why don't you come by at all?" Dean asked.
"I guess a part of me doesn't want to go. Living here makes me feel like I'm normal you know?" Percy said.
"I get where you're coming from, but I don't think people like us can live a normal life" Dean said.
"Won't stop me from trying" Percy said.
"That's good, you shouldn't give up on what you want" Dean said.
Percy looked at Dean, he found him to be a likable person.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, what did you come here for?" Percy asked curiously.
"Well...actually I'm not really sure to tell you the truth, I kinda just wanted to meet you. Maybe get your opinion on something" Dean said.
Percy nodded, "Ok, lay it on me sparky"
Dean gave him a look, 'Sparky?' "Ok Magicarp, easy with the splashing"
Percy smirked.
"Here's the deal. I'm trying to become a stronger fighter so Chiron's been guiding me through all kinds of training. My most recent kind was dueling against other half-bloods and I've been getting pretty good" Dean said.
"So what's the problem?" Percy asked.
Dean clenched his fists, "You know Clarisse?"
Percy laughed lightly, "Should have seen that one coming"
"She keeps on getting in my face and it's pissing me off. On top of that she beat me twice in a duel so she feels all high and mighty" Dean said.
"That's rough, I've had my dealings with Ares and his offspring. I'm not fond of them" Percy said.
"You had dealings with Ares?" Dean asked.
"Last year I had to get your Dad's master bolt back and I was forced to duel Ares" Percy said.
"You had to fight a god? How did that go?" Dean asked curiously.
"It was definitely the hardest fight I've ever fought. I survived long enough to get out of there alive, it wasn't easy" Percy said.
"Damn, I'm actually kind of jealous" Dean said.
"Well don't be, if he didn't toy with me I'd be done for" Percy said.
"I didn't think Gods would even bother fighting mortals" Dean said.
"Chiron told me that Immortals are constrained by ancient rules. But a hero can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as he has the nerve" Percy said.
Dean sighed, "You dueled him and I'm having trouble dealing with one of his kids, my success is clearly underwhelming"
"Hey everyone has their good and bad days, you're just having some of your bad ones"
Percy said.
"Maybe, it's just been a hassle having to learn a new weapon style, and Clarisse gets me so mad I don't know what to do" Dean said.
"Well if you want my advice, just don't let her get to you, fight the best way you can, and be yourself" Percy gave him an honest answer.
Dean nodded, that was just about the best answer he was gonna get, "Sounds good to me"
"Well I'm glad to be of help" Percy said.
Dean offered him his hand, "Percy, I'm glad we met. I just wish it could have been under different circumstances"
Percy shook his hand, "You're an interesting guy, I'll give you that"
"If you ever need anything, like a friend or an ally, you can count on me cousin" Dean said with a smirk.
Percy smiled, "Cousin, I like that"
"Well, see you around" Dean jumped off the fire escape.
Percy looked down and saw him land on the ground, 'That was cool'
Chiron was overseeing the duels by the sandpits.
"Who else would like to try?" Chiron asked.
"I think it's about time I redeem myself" Dean said coming out of the crowd.
"Look who's back" Clarisse said looking amused, "What happened you think third time's the charm?"
Dean stood across from her, "Third time is the charm ugly bitch" he drew his gladii.
Clarisse drew her sword, "I'll make you eat those words"
"Dean what are you doing?" Chiron asked him discreetly.
"Redeeming myself" Dean said.
Chiron noticed he wasn't wearing armor and he was using different weapons.
"What happened to your armor and weapons?" Chiron asked.
"I'm gonna fight the way I want to" Dean said looking back at her.
"So be it then. Begin" Chiron said.
Clarisse boldly charged at Dean not considering him a threat.
Dean thrusted a blade out to intercept her.
Clarisse deflected it with her shield and slashed downward.
Dean blocked, by forming an X over his head, with ease.
Clarisse attacked with both her sword and shield as she did before but this time Dean found it easy to simply dodge all her attacks.
Dean blocked at attack and then ducked as she spun around trying to hit him with her shield. As he went underneath it he slashed her calve with force making her fall on her back. He then smacked her in the face with the flat side of his sword.
Clarisse got up and doubled her efforts attempting to cut Dean to pieces aiming high and low.
Dean ducked to the side from a diagonal slash and pretended to attack her ribcage forcing Clarisse to block with her shield. Dean then moved swiftly and elbowed her in the back of the head.
Clarisse fell face first to the ground.
"How's that dirt taste?" Dean asked her.
Clarisse's face turned red as she got on her feet in a frenzy trying kill him.
Dean backed away with every attack forcing her to come to him.
Clarisse extended her reach trying her very best to hit him. Which made her thrust a little too far.
Dean tilted his head avoiding the thrust, sliced her hand making her drop her weapon, and smacked her in the back with the flat side of his sword.
Clarisse was knocked forward but she stopped and turned around.
"I wonder what you're going to do now" Dean said slowly walking towards her.
Clarisse seemed desperate, she lost her sword and most of her stamina. She didn't have much left. She kicked sand in his eyes hoping to get a momentary advantage.
Dean closed his eyes, rolled towards her, and slashed with both of his swords.
Clarisse blocked with her shield but the force of the attack made her take a few steps back.
Dean then repeatedly attacked her shield forcing her to step back.
Clarisse moved backwards trying to avoid the attacks.
Dean then swept her legs making her fall on her back, "You must love sitting on your ass cause you just keep on getting knocked down" he laughed.
Clarisse charged at him using her shield as a weapon.
Dean blocked with one hand and bashed her face with the butt of his sword.
Clarisse dropped her shield and moved back.
Dean stood there waiting for her to make a move.
Her weapons were nowhere near her, she had no choice. Clarisse put up her fists in a boxing stance.
Dean laughed, "Putting up your dukes huh? Ok" he threw aside his gladii, "Let's see what you got" he waved her over.
Clarisse tried throwing a couple of punches.
Dean dodged them all without any trouble, "So much for the child of Ares" he punched her square in the face breaking her nose.
Clarisse went to kick him in the balls.
Dean grabbed her leg, "Aw how cute is that" he threw her on the ground. He knelt down next to her and started punching her in the face.
At first he enjoyed the feeling but then Dean suddenly stopped punching her.
Clarisse held her hands up, "I give up" she mumbled, her face was too swollen to speak loudly.
Dean stood up and looked at Chiron.
"You win" Chiron didn't look happy.
He looked back at Clarisse and realized what he had done.
This was probably the one time I ever saw that girl weak and helpless, I honestly felt bad for her
Dean knelt down next to Clarisse looking a little more civil.
Clarisse wiped the blood off her face, "What do you want?" she sounded emotional, on top of that her eyes were tearing. Being humiliated does shatter someone's pride.
Dean gave her his hand, "To say I'm sorry" he said genuinely.
Clarisse couldn't believe a word he just said.
"Unlike you, I don't like to hurt people, even more so girls but you forced my hand. Now you can either take my hand, we'll be friends, and I won't bother you anymore. Or we can stay the way we are and every time you even open your mouth around me you're going to experience what you just did" Dean said looking sincere.
Clarisse could tell he was serious and she didn't want to be humiliated ever again. She grabbed his hand and he helped her up.
"Smart choice" Dean pat her on the back and left.
Chiron trotted next to him, "That was…unexpected"
Dean chuckled, "Really, why?"
"I never imagined you as the forgiving type" Chiron said sounding genuinely surprised, "Why did you do that? I'm curious"
Dean thought about the right words to use, "My father taught me how to fight, how to defend myself. But my mother, she taught me respect. She taught me that even though I have power I shouldn't abuse it. If she were here right now she'd make me apologize"
Chiron nodded, "I see. I would almost be proud of you if you didn't take off your armor" he mentioned.
Dean rolled his eyes, "C'mon, why can't you be happy with anything I do?"
"The day I have nothing left to teach you, I will be a truly happy, but today is not that day" Chiron said stopping.
Dean stopped and faced him, "Whatever, I took off my armor so I could move faster and I used the weapons I know best. What's so wrong about that?"
Chiron shook his head, "You still don't see it"
"Don't see what? You can't talk in riddles all the time" Dean said.
"Why do you have to take off the armor? Why do you have to use a different weapon style? There should be no need to do either of those. Why can't you move as fast as you do with the heavy armor? Why aren't you comfortable using a different weapon style? Give me an accurate answer" Chiron demanded, "You have been studying haven't you?"
"Yeah I have. And that would be gravity and personal preference" Dean said.
"Wrong" Chiron tapped his forehead, "You're limiting yourself"
"Ok" Dean threw his hands up, "Confucius is gonna have to explain that"
"Since you started training have you noticed how much you've improved? At first the weight of the equipment would wear you down too quickly, now you've adjusted too it just like everyone else. The same with using the sword and shield. I say that with another week or two of training you could have beaten Clarisse like you did today"
Dean stood there and thought about what he said for a minute, "So me putting on weight made me stronger and faster. And using different weapons made it easier to adapt…." His mind was processing, "You say that I'm limiting myself but there's a limit to the weight armor can have"
"Yes, that does have a limit. But gravity doesn't" Chiron left him to think.
Dean stood there, 'Gravity…'
Up until then I was newbie in a world full of pros without an ounce of creativity...That was the day I changed the game
Chiron trotted up to the big house where Mr. D was sitting as usual.
"Interesting little show, don't you agree?" Mr. D asked.
"Quite, but I was more interested in what happened after the fight" Chiron said.
"Yes, perhaps after he kills us he'll just apologize" Mr. D laughed.
Chiron didn't look amused, "I do not believe he will be the one to do that, you should be able to see that"
Mr. D put down his magazine, "What I do see, is his internal conflict. His true nature hasn't surfaced. He's still a growing boy, yet to become a man"
Author's note: Oh boy, they went right at it didn't they haha. I know riptide is supposed to have a cap on it but to me that seems like it would be a little too time consuming in the heat of battle. That might have been a little harsh for Clarisse, but she's an asshole so who cares. Let me know what you guys think so far of the story, just to see if there's anything I should work on in the future