Now Let Me See You 1, 2 Step

Summer 2021, Week 4, Wednesday midday

Titan MMA, City Centre

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora arrived at Titan a little before 6:30 in the morning. She assumed no one would be there as the gym didn’t even open until 8 and besides, they rented it out until about 11. It was a bit long, but maybe they would talk strategy or something... or leave and come back? Who knows, but I can’t afford to be too sore for tomorrow. Fiora thought.
Fiora was in the bathroom now, changing into work out gear. She brought makeup and clothes and soap and things to hit up the private showers after. Titan treated its elite customers well, after all, so she wouldn’t have a problem using them to prepare for the day. She peaked her head out of the bathroom now, tying her hair into a pony tail with her scrunchie. She thought she heard someone come in...

Peter Clifford

The Mustang rocked up slightly after Fiora. Pete had done his best to keep it quiet during these small hours but sometime you can't control beasts. The engine hummed along as the Andrew got out and the silence felt wrong to Pete as he followed him.
The two had gotten into a routine from the last few days and quickly found the changing rooms and were already set up by the time Fiora had also changed.
They started sparring lightly. Peter taking up a more defensive stance to allow Andy to show all he had learn in the short time while Peter called out flaws and advice.

Andrew Moore

After a few failed punches, he tried showing off a kick, which surprisingly connected. He got why they were doing this, he did, but he was not particularly coordinated, and it showed. “How. Do. You. Make. This. Look. So. Easy.”

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora stepped out of the showers. She pulled on some gloves when she saw the two guys sparring.
"He does." She grinned. Peter was a lot more agile than you'd assume someone who was working on computers all day to be.
"And Andy? You wanna make sure your chin is down and your hands are up. Peter, just because your evo abilities allow for more agility and strength doesn't mean you should stand there with your elbows out like a chicken." She winked. "You have to protect the money makers." She laughed, she seemed to know what she was doing.

Peter Clifford

As Fiora made herself visible Peter cracked it up a notch. Easily dodging the slow jab Andy has thrown and then used the mans own weight, tripping him which ended up with Andy sprawled out on the floor.
"Well thanks for the advice princess. But, I thought we were here to judge you too? Would you care to dance?" His arm then came out and although his hands were gloved it was as though he was asking her to take it. His smile was pristine as always his eyes gleaming.

[Basic 0 EP 25/25]

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora rolled her eyes, today she seemed to take charge more naturally. She was much less massive, she wasn't there to beg. "Sure. I'd love to. Just go easy on me okay? I just got my nails done." She fake pouted. Princess? Really? She though, she approached Peter on the mat, smiled at Andy and then touched gloves with Peter. She was in stance and ready to go.
"What are you waiting for? I can take it-"

Peter Clifford

It was at this point that Peter threw a jab at his opponent. The technique was adequate but the thrower made sure that it wasn't full power yet. Was it a cheap shot? Of course but it was a lesson all wannabe heroes needed to know. The enemy doesn't care about what's right.
After the shot Peter went back into a fighting stance. Showing much better form that he did against Andy with his defences raised. He launched a simple combinations of a right left jab, a right hook and then a left sideways kick aimed at her midriff.

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora managed to dodge most, she could tell he was going easy on her. She hadn't thrown a punch, she was too busy trying to size him up.
"Aw come on, you're going too easy-"
Fiora started the statement before falling to the ground. The kick certainly connected and flew her to the side a bit. She held he stomach for a second as she laid on the ground. She looked away, her breathing hitched like she was in pain. It seemed like a cheap shot that left her crumpled on the ground.

Andrew Moore

Andy sat on the floor, catching his breathe. Both of them made this look too easy, and both of them could kick his ass. To be fair, he would not complain about that.

Peter Clifford

Peters face went from excitement, shock and horror in less than a second. Mouth open at the sight of the poor woman on the floor. Guilt rushed across his face and cheeks started to go slightly red from embarrassment. It was only a second or so but for Peter it felt like a lifetime he stood there just looked down at her in pain. He leaned down to see if she was okay. Hand first.

Andrew Moore

”Don’t you have a whole thing about not hitting girls?”

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora upon feeling his hand grasp her she locked her hand on his collar, grabbed his ankle in place, hooked her legs around his knee and brought him down. He could probably sense the danger, but his guilt in 'hurting' her probably pushed it away.
Fiora smiled devilishly. "Gotcha! I heard enemies like a cheap move. You should know from that punch..." Fiora raised an eyebrow. She was looking down on him as one knee was on his chest. She was holding him down, waiting for some sort of verbal retaliation. She was focused on him, not quite answering Andrew yet.

Peter Clifford

Laid down on the ground Peter was unsure exactly what had happened. In his few fights since his accidents no one has touched him bar from his own poor footwork. This was entirely different.
Shock could be seen from the loon on his face. Eyes widened and he seemed unable to look at anything for any period of time. He tried to talk. Seemingly unable to for a few seconds. Before finding the strength to roll away from Fiora by pushing her leg. As he stood he engaged his fighting stance one more. Right leg in front with his guard up. His face seemed entirely different from the start. Not angry just focused.
"Now try doing it fairly"

Fiora O'Connor

“Shock value is fair. These villains don’t fight using just their fists. You know my strategy and can now use it against me. Its like chess. Brute strength won’t help you win every time. You’re a smart guy so you’ve got to know that.”
Fiora got in a fighting stance. If she didn’t have verbal weaponry than she would have to be physical. With only that in her arsenal she didn’t stand a chance. She would give it the old college try, however.
“After you.” She said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Now she really didn’t seem like that helpless girl from yesterday.

Peter Clifford

Her words somewhat rung in Peters head. Everything she said was true and he respected her for it really. As for the ensuing fight he knew he needed to take a step back. His strength had more than tripled since the accident and he needed to hold back slightly. But, he also need to show why she should join him.
Peter gave a quick one two cross jab to test. Followed by a followed by a rib shot and then two kicks with his right. One aimed at her other side and one towards her head in a downward motion with supreme agility.

Fiora O'Connor

The blow to her face made her cheek grow bright red. She gritted her teeth to hold back a reaction from the pain that set in. She knew none of her blows would land so she stalled. Eventually he would grow tired, eventually he would grow confused as to why she was just taking his punches.
She was taking them for multiple reasons. She needed to learn to deal with the pain for one... Her benefactor was there for her always, but she had to show that she was worthy. Fiora would take any punches to prove herself.

Andrew Moore

Looking at the two of them, he shook his head. It was apparent that he was never going to be this good. So he decided to be productive, and spaced out to try and map out a lightweight armour he could wear under his clothes

Peter Clifford

All his blows hit far too easy and Peter felt almost sorry for the girl as he continued. After his flurry he stopped. Still in his fighting stance. She need to hit back. Hit me for Christ sake women it's the best way to defend yourself. "Defend princess! Show me something." Or else I'll have to say no. He once more attempted the same combination of blows

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora dodged an intense blow and went for a kick... below the belt. It was a cheap shot, a low blow if you will, but she was getting worked up due to his condescending tone.
"Call me princess in this context again and you'll be singing like a choir boy."
She glared at him. Hopefully he didn't pick up on the subtlety she accidentally through in there. Well, 'accidentally'... she hoped to throw him off guard some more with her seemingly innocuous error.

Peter Clifford

This time Peter was dialled in. She may have been able to stop his shot for meeting but she couldn't touch him. Peter did not even have to look he just knew exactly where she was going to kick and when. He instinctively took a back step and watched as Fiora completely missed him.
"Oh don't worry now, I'm waiting for the day." He laughed slightly but it was cut short by him needed to breathe slightly heavily though he wasn't all to tired yet. He decided not to take advantage of her instability and instead signalled her to come at him. "Well at least that was better" he thought before preparing himself.

[EP Normal 22/25]

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora prepared for a second attack, but then stood straight and shook her head. "I know I'm going to lose this fight." She shrugged and walked over and sat by Andrew.
She peered over his shoulder and asked. "Whatcha workin on? Not in the mood to fight?" She smiled and pulled back, waiting for a reaction so she wasn't exactly hovering over his shoulder. It seemed like some sort of armor... so probably not for her.

Andrew Moore

”Lightweight armour. I’m all brains, no brawn - might as well try to even the fight a little”

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora giggled and nudged his side with her elbow. "I've a feeling that you are stronger than you say you are. You seem pretty strong, yeah? Maybe just be more confident and practice technique. Being smart goes with strength however. Successful fighters fight opponents with strategy rather than just muscle. You are more likely to get tripped when running if you aren't aware of your surroundings, yes? Instinct comes with practice, skill comes with being able to comprehend what you are doing and why."
She sounded genuine and more calm than with fighting. "Don't doubt yourself, Andrew."

Peter Clifford

Peter was somewhat disappointed that Fiora had just up and walked away. It was not a good sight, personally and for the group. Yet, on the other hand it was better to know when you were beaten. He went to their bags and belongings. Grabbing his drink while the two had their little talk. "I'm not sure whether to be disappointed or proud. It's one thing to stay and fight no matter but another to walk away when you know you're outmatched."

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora looked up at Peter who had interrupted her moment with Andrew. "Who said I was done fighting? You've seen my current hand... but I've also seen yours. Brute strength won't work against you so I have to go with my other options. You've seen those movies, the strongest heroes are willing to sacrifice their lives for people and jump at an opportunity to do what is right... but have you ever seen batman go in without a plan? You need balance, Peter."
She giggled and her face turned a light shade of pink. "Tony Stark taught Spiderman balance... I've got a feeling that if he were real he'd be..." She looked away from Peter and shrugged. "Anyway, enough of the nerd stuff. What now?"

Peter Clifford

"I need balance? Me? You sure you're onto the right guy here? Don't you worry about me I'll have a plan to deal with you." He started awkwardly wagging his finger at her then about halfway through his speech realised how stupid he looked and stopped. He turned around cursed himself. Turning around with his normal smile. "Come on then, let's have your feedback first. What's your thoughts on us?"

Fiora O'Connor

“Well, I believe that your charm covers up your awkwardness fairly decently. You hate being bad at things so you show off what you are good at to hide your flaws. Realizing your powers made you more confident, which is great, but you wonder what would you be if you go back to not having them?”
Her face contorted a bit as she tried to figure out what to say next. “For Andy? Well Andy you rely too much on what you know and not expanding what you don’t. Though I have a feeling you’d be good at things if you gave them a try. You seem like a quick learner when something interests you.”
She stood up, straightening out her shirt. “Those are the basics.”

Peter Clifford

He smiled. Which turned into a laugh. "I mean, damn maybe the Princess is actually a psychiatrist! Man. I just meant if you wanted to join not a full psychiatric work out but, aight okay." He begins to stop smiling some tho the edges keep coming back from time to time. "Well I hate being formal but we do have a few tests. They ain't the be all and end all. Some maths, some brain teasers stuff. Just to see we ain't dealing with an idiot but, I don't think that'll be a problem will it?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora did a slight pout. "Oh, I was never too good at math. Explains why I'm an actress I guess." She rolled her eyes. "As long as you aren't asking me to do whatever it is you nerds do I should be fine." She laughed to show that she was mostly joking.
"No, it shouldn't be a problem. But then again, I'm still not your princess. Though if this is professional... i don't think that'll be a problem, will it?"

Peter Clifford

He smiled once more although this time there seemed to be some sadness in his eyes. "Hey now! You're the one who mentioned it being personal or professional. You should know I'm all about the job and I'm not Prince" He started getting his things together. "But, nah don't worry about it Princess should be a enough for you to handle. Unless you didn't pass high school maths"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora noticed that he looked a bit downtrodden but decided to not press into the matter. She sighed. Guess he's still going to call me princess... Which would be annoying if he weren't- She rolled her eyes. It seemed like she was rolling them at him but really she was just acknowledging her own thought process.
"Well, I was privately tutored, but yes, I passed. Oh, by the way... should I get a shower here or does your warehouse have showers? I don't wanna feel gross the rest of the day." She assumed they would be leaving to go somewhere, most likely the warehouse. She waited for further instruction.

Andrew Moore

”We do not have a shower - pretty sure Pete nixxed that in an attempt to make me go home every once in a while while I’m working on something” He sticks his tongue out at Pete

Fiora O'Connor

“Alright, alright. Sounds reasonable. I left my stuff in the locker room so I’ll get a shower and meet you at the warehouse.” Fiora started to walk in the direction of the showers but paused for a second. She turned to look between Andrew and Peter. “Though... there is one thing I can’t tell about you two... Were you two ever, ya know, a thing?” She raised her eyebrows.

Peter Clifford

The young lads both looked to each other and all that could be seen from Pete's face is a smile that just kept getting wider and wider until he turned to the question asker. Titled his head slightly and widened his yes. "Not jealous are you?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora scrunched her nose and stuck out her tongue. She turned on her heel and began walking to the showers. "Goodbye Guys, if you need me you know where to find me." She walked off, humming slightly to herself, leaving the boys to talk about whatever.
She was just looking forward to a nice, long shower to destress.

Peter Clifford

"Damn I miss her already" He turned to his friend

Andrew Moore

”Never seen anyone land a solid hit on you. I like her”

Peter Clifford

"Its good to know I'm easily distracted by a pretty face..." He smirked and sat down on the floor. "You want her in then?"

Andrew Moore

”I’ve known that since we met, glad to know you’ve finally learned.” He laughed and sat down next to Pete.
“I think I want her in. She’s a good fighter, a quick thinker on her feet, and she’s got that freaky shifting power. Plus, she seems to be a bit more observant and quick on the uptake than either of us.” He shrugs
“I am a bit concerned about that mysterious benefactor, though. I want someone who’s working based on their own morals and ain’t being told what to think and do”

Peter Clifford

"I agree with you entirely. She seems a bit more street smart than the two of us and I think is three would be a good team. You as the tech guy in the chair. I can be in the shadows and she seems like she can be a god espionage gal who can also fight. Just need a tank type and we have what we need to go mainstream I reckon." He stops and takes another sip of his drinks and rubs his face. "Think we should stop our first crime this week?"

Andrew Moore

”Definitely. Gotta head back to the warehouse though, I want to work on that chrome dinosaur”

Peter Clifford

"Excuse me?"

Andrew Moore

“You remember how I said the other day that a dinosaur made of chrome would be dope to have around? I may or may not have started working on one”

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora walked into the gym, her hair still wet from the shower. She was singing and gave a twirl. She noticed the two men still there and blushed, a little embarrassed. However, she shook it off. "What are you two still doing here?" She stood in front of them and smiled. "Talking about whether I should join or not? Well, make up your mind. I have a date sometime this week so I'd like to work that around my schedule."

Peter Clifford

The man went to reply onto to notice Fiora walk in. He didn't intend to stare but ended up doing so. His mouth was slightly ajar and his eyes seemed to go numb where he couldn't control them. For once he didn't seem to be able to do anything. Talk, move just nothing. Almost aware of his state he did his best to stop it being awkward but he could not. Then the words rung in his ears.
Peter tried to think he wasn't a jealous type. He valued others achievement and was genuinely happy for them. Yet, this time he just could not. Cheeks went red slightly and he nervously swallowed. Jesus, this was bad.
Finally he got some sense of control and looked to his old friend to reply for him.

Andrew Moore

”Close your mouth, mate, you look like a fish” He rolled his eyes. Peter was damn useless around anyone he found attractive. He turned to the current source of Pete’s infatuation.
“We want you to join us, on one condition - we want to know more about your benefactor. We both think you’re great - clearly,“ he gestures at Pete, ”- but we want to know that you’re doing what YOU want to do, and what you think is right, not what some faceless suit is telling you to do or think”

Peter Clifford

He couldn't believe it. That goddamn bastard. If he wasn't nervous and embarrassed enough that just made it ten times worse. He would have to play it off like it was nothing surely but damn. Thanks mate great help there.
Peter just smiled knowingly. Trying to play it off as a joke which he was unusually good at. Not so much now.

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora laughed. "All a girl has to do is wet her hair? Wow, your standards are... interesting, Peter." Fiora paused for a second to let that thought ruminate. "And Andrew. I want to join you, and I'll give you as much information as I have, which is fairly little. I promise I want to work with you both. Just... please understand the benefactor is important to me. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am." Fiora looked sad at the thought. The only lives she knew were the lab and then this lavish benefactor/ caretaker. Though, she was thankful her benefactor gave her purpose. This whole conversation could be part of his plan.

Peter Clifford

He tried not to react to the comment but his face didn't listen. His nose scrunching and his mouth twisting. "Just remember that we're taking a chance on you too? Okay?"

Fiora O'Connor

"I know, and I'm grateful for it. Thank you both." Fiora nodded and walked toward the door. "I'll see you both at the warehouse later." With that, she was gone.

Type

Record, Historical

Medium

Digital Recording, Text