[Tuvya Sasaran] Kicking Up a Storm (Solo)

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:12 pm

55th of Summer, 517AV

Orin could help but feel inadequate with the incredible males specimens walking around the city of Riverfall. They were tall, muscled, and while blue, tended to be attractive. Orin was none of the above, especially in comparison. In contrast, Orin thought as he rubbed his tiny bicep, he looked like a stick. They could probably break him like one too. It wasn’t that he was looking for anything in particular, whether it be romance or simply companionship, and that’s why we was self-conscious about his body, but his self-esteem took a beating every time he remembered that the Akalaks were able to physically beat him up whenever they chose. Orin decided that he didn’t like feeling weak. Luckily, while it might be a long and arduous process, there was actually something he could do about his body. While he probably would never be able to compete with those who'd been training all their lives, and were naturally stronger to boot, at least he could learn enough to keep from making a fool of himself.

So, though it pained him -- both physically and mentally -- Orin was making a concerted effort to push his body to its limits. The problem wasn't usually that he couldn't get through the pain and strain. It was more that he was bad at a lot of the basic skills that made a good fighter. Which is why he found himself jogging around the streets of Riverfall, an activity he was beginning to loathe. Starting from his apartment, Orin had made a wide loop around the city, trying to keep his pace measured, although to be honest he really could never tell how fast he was running. He was sweating profusely, could barely keep his breath, and was cramping in his side, but he refused to give up. People he passed were giving him curious looks, but running wasn't such an unusual experience that anyone commented on it or interrupted it. ”Just one. More. Block!” he kept repeating in his head, turning it into a mantra.

Finally, he arrived at his destination, the Tuvya Sasaran, and though he was tempted, did not collapse on the floor. Instead, he slowed to a walk, until his heart had settled to a more sedate pace and he had caught his breath. Properly warmed up, Orin steeled himself for the beating he was no doubt about to receive. He had only recently discovered the existence of the Sasarans, and though it was scary, he was hoping that somehow, the combined might of the Akalaks within could make him into something greater than he already was. Entering the facility, Orin was greeted by warrior cries and the sounds of flesh hitting flesh.

Waiting rather patiently, Orin was soon greeted by an Akalak, who seemed to be in charge of this place and the main inhabitants, although there were a few individuals of other races Orin could see. The Akamai gave Orin a once over, and managed to stay expressionless. ”Hello and welcome to the Tuvya Sasaran. My name is Akfarian, one of the instructors. If you're here to train, please let me know your skill level and I'll place you in the appropriate class.” There was no judgement in Akfarian’s voice, for which Orin was grateful.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:12 pm

The chef hesitated, unsure what to say. Finally, deciding that more information was better than less, the human explained, ”Well I've had some very basic experience, but I’d say that mostly, I’m still a beginner.”

Nodding at this, Akfarian gestured for Orin to follow as the Akalak began walking deeper in the Sasaran. ”Well then, we’ll put you with the beginner class for now. We can always move you up if it become necessary.” That seemed quite sensible to Orin. If they put him in too advanced a class, there was a chance he’d get injured, and regardless, he wouldn’t be able to learn anything anyway. Still, as Akfarian led him into the beginner class, Orin couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. Apparently, beginner class meant children’s class. Orin knew that the Akalaks began their training early, but it still stung to be reduced to the level of a child. There were four young Akalaks in the class, and an older one presiding over them.

Akfarian left, and the instructor nodded for Orin to take up a spot at the back of the class. ”Excellent timing. We were just about start working on some basic kicks.” Orin perked up at that. While he had some small experience with fighting without weapons in the past, almost all of it had been involving his fists, so learning the proper technique for kicks was actually exciting new territory for the chef. Examing his class, the instructor Orin watched the instructor carefully as the Akalak prepared. The instructor first brought his hands up in fists to frame either side of his face. ”Remember, we want our hands up here because it’s the most effective way to block. This protects both your body and your head. But remember class, the best defence is not to be where your opponent wants you to be.” It was solid advice, and Orin made a note to take that to heart, especially since the chef was worried that he’d often be fighting opponents that might be stronger or tougher than he was.

The Akalak was moving on to an actual kick, and Orin made sure to refocus his attention on the instructor. ”Now, boys, we’ll start off with a low kick, and then work our way up.” The instructor stepped back with his right foot, and then shifted all his weight to balls of his feet, and Orin and the rest of the class quickly followed suit. ”Now, for the low kick, aim for the thigh. If you think you can hit the side of their knee, it’ll do more damage, but if you miss or they turn into it, hitting their knee head on can cause your foot or your shin damage, unless they’re sufficiently padded.” Orin nodded at that, making sure to memorize the acceptable targets. It would be dumb to learn all this and then not know where to aim them, after all. Then the instructor launched into the kick. It didn’t seem that difficult. The Akalak had struck in front of him, turning his body into the kick, probably to give it more power.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:13 pm

Orin and the class then attempted their own kicks, resetting each time. For some reason, the technique didn’t feel quite right, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. The instructor, after checking out the rest of the class and giving tips and pointers here and there, finally stopped by Orin. After watching the chef kick just once, the instructor held up his hand for Orin to pause. ”A few notes. First, you can turn your body into it a little bit more. Second, drop your right arm when you kick. Finally, turn your head towards your left shoulder. All of that will help with the follow through.” Orin did as he was told and it did feel better. The Akalak nodded, but added, ”Now you’re dropping your left arm down and out to the side as you move, leaving you exposed to a counterattack.” Orin made the small correction, and it did make everything feel much better. The instructor nodded again, and barked out, ”Better. Keep at it,” before moving back to the front of the class.

The Akalak let the students work for an indeterminate amount of time on that one-foot, before telling them to switch sides. Even though this was Orin’s non-dominant foot, the chef was trying incredibly hard to prove his worth, as well as not embarrass himself in front of the children. So he made sure to run through the list of corrections before launching into his first kick, and thankfully it was successful. Once again, the instructor made his way through the class, and while he nudged Orin’s right elbow up a bit higher, the Akalak didn’t say anything, which Orin took as a good sign. Again, they kept at the kicks until the instructor felt they’d had enough.

Gesturing for them to pause, he smiled at them, apparently pleased at their progress, even Orin’s. ”Good job.” That rousing display of emotion finished, the man told them all, ”It’s time to move on to body kicks. Watch me carefully.” The Akalak took up the same stance he had for the low kicks, which Orin was grateful for, since learning new stances was really hard work. Then, the instructor launched into his kick, which came up to the height of the man’s hip. Again, Orin memorized as many details as he could. There were a lot of similarities with the low kick, including the turning body and head, as well as the fact that both required the attacker to drop their arm as their leg came up. In fact, the main difference seemed to be the height of the strike.

The instructor demonstrated one more time, before giving the class the signal that they were allowed to begin their own series of kicks. Taking a step back so his left foot was ahead of him again, Orin brought his hands up to where he hoped they were supposed to be, since apparently he had a habit of dropping them if he wasn’t actively trying to pay attention to them. Then, he attempted his own kick. Unfortunately, as it reach the top of its arc, Orin lost his balance, and, while he didn’t fall, he had to stumble a few steps in order to stay on his feet.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:14 pm

Noticing this, the instructor came over to him. ”Try it again.” Orin did as the Akalak asked, even though the result ended up being the same as last time. His instructor however, seemed to have picked something up that Orin hadn’t, which, admittedly, was sort of the Akalak’s job. ”You’re not leaning back enough to compensate for the forward motion of the kick. That will either throw you off balance or prevent you from kicking high enough.” Taking a step away from Orin, the instructor demonstrated. ”This is you.” Now that it had been pointed out to him, Orin could see the mistake. The Akalak made a second, proper kick this time and Orin saw the difference. ”That was the correct technique. Now you try.”

Orin did, making sure to lean back more at the end of the kick, and surprisingly, it actually worked. The Akalak nodded in approval, before moving on to one of the other pupils. Orin kept at his kicking until it actually started to feel natural. Eventually, though, they switched sides, and Orin had to deal with the awkwardness of not only using his left leg, but also using it to kick in a way that didn’t necessarily feel easy even with Orin’s right leg. All in all, it felt awkward and unwieldy, and Orin didn’t like it. Still, apparently mastering both legs was necessary to be a truly good combatant. Or maybe the Akalaks just enjoyed torturing their students; Orin wouldn’t be surprised if both turned out to be correct. The entire race seemed to take a perverse pleasure in pushing their bodies to the limits and then trying to reach beyond them. That had never really been something Orin had enjoyed, but perhaps it was why all Akalaks were so skilled in the martial arts.

Finally, though, the ordeal with the body kicks was over, and Orin planted both feet on the ground. There was a pleasant ache in both of his legs, and Orin was pleased that he’d managed to keep up with the class. Even though this group was mostly beginners, he didn’t get the sense that they were just starting out, so it was a good fit for Orin’s current talents when it came to unarmed combat. Hopefully, though, he wouldn’t be forced to work with the children forever, if his skills progressed quickly enough. Worst-case scenario, eventually these youth would have to grow up, he thought cheekily, so all Orin had to do was keep up with them.

Assuming that was the end of the lesson, Orin started to turn and leave, but before he could actually make much progress towards the door the Akalak teacher spoke up again. ”Alright class, time for everyone’s favorite, head kicks!” The Akalak children were too well mannered to groan, but Orin certainly wanted to. He refrained, though, not wanting to lose face in the eyes of anyone here. The teacher resumed his stance, before snapping into a kick that somehow managed to reach all the way to his head level, ending in a half turn that put his back to the class. The cook’s eyes widened in shock, and he was suddenly filled with apprehension. Orin did not think that his body would be able to ever reach that position.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:15 pm

Still, he would be expected to try, so Orin picked his hands up and placed his right foot behind him. Of course, the children didn’t seem to be having any trouble at all with this new technique. They probably came out of the womb punching and kicking, Orin thought uncharitably. Then, though he knew it wasn’t going to succeed, Orin kick as high as he could manage.

Apparently, as high as he could manage was only up to his chest, nowhere near the level of anyone else in the room. Seeing this, the instructor gestured for him to come to the side of the room. ”Flexibility is a problem, I see. Come, I’ll show you some stretches that can fix that.” Orin actually enjoyed stretching his limbs, at least in theory, since it helped sooth aching muscles. That is, until he saw what the Akalak wanted him to do. The other man placed one leg in front and one leg behind, and then slid them outward in a perfect front split. It looked painful, but the instructor was looking at Orin expectantly. I hate splits.

Still, Orin dutifully did his best to copy the Akalak. His slide to the ground wasn’t quite as graceful, and he couldn’t quite get all the way down, forcing him to place his hands on the either side of him to support his weight. Still, Orin was more flexible than he remembered being in the past, because after sitting there for what must have been several chimes and gritting his teeth through the pain, he actually touched the ground. Pleased with this development, and with the respect he could see in his teacher’s eyes at his dedication. The Akalak didn’t let it show for long, though, as the blue-skinned man shifted into a side split, directly from his front split, without showing any discomfort. Orin wasn’t quite at that level yet, as he actually had to lever himself out of his front split before shifting into the side split. Still, even here there was progress, although Orin couldn’t open his legs all the way. Not willing to accept this, however, the Akalak scooted over, and actually pushed Orin’s legs out all the way. Orin nearly went cross-eyed with pain, but managed to avoid making a sound or passing out.

Apparently satisfied now that Orin had been sufficiently stretched out, the Akalak helped the chef to his feet. ”Now. Try the kick again.” The rest of the class was apparently watching the silly human’s progress, their own exercises forgotten in the novelty of watch a human put through his pace. Orin wasn’t entirely comfortable with their scrutiny, as he guess they were probably laughing at him, but he wasn’t going to complain about it. They’d allowed him into their space readily enough, so if they chose to take some time and laugh at him behind his back, there wasn’t really much he could do about it beyond earning their respect somehow. Preparing his body for the kick, Orin decided that the best way to get them to stop looking at him as a strange curiosity and instead actually a person was to do the best job in training that he could. So, he launched into the highest kick he could manage.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 3:16 pm

To his surprise, that actually turned out to be quite high. It actually reached the level of his head before momentum carried him past and into the half turn he remembered seeing earlier. The instructor nodded. ”Good. Much improved. Don’t forget to use your arms properly and turn your head. And anticipate the momentum, don’t let it control you.” Orin nodded, and did another high kick, making the corrections that he was given. This time, it went slightly more smoothly. ”Good. Practice on your own. Now, move on. Left foot.” Here was the true test.

Placing his left foot behind him, Orin took a breath, trying to make sure everything was in place before he started. Then, he kicked. His left foot sailed through the air, and though it was not quite at the level of his right foot, it was hopefully high enough. His right foot, though, was more unstable than he’d realized and he wobbled, slightly, but luckily didn’t fall. His body turned, and when he finally came to a stop Orin realized he was face to face with the teacher. ”Good attempt. You can keep working on it in your own time. Now, class it’s time to stretch.”

With that, the instructor bent in half, hands touching the ground, and the rest of the students followed suit. Orin tried to copy them, but his hands could only reach his ankles, and so he wrapped them around and tried to pull himself closer to the ground. Orin could feel the burn in his back and the back of his legs. They stayed in that position for about a chime, then the instructor shifted into a lunge, with his back leg fully extended, and Orin followed suit. This apparently was a good calf stretch, and soon enough they switched to the other leg. Finally, the instructor grabbed first his right, and then his left legs, and pulled them to his butt, which, when Orin tried, caused a pleasant burn in his thighs.

Apparently, that was all for today, and the students knew this, as they all bowed, and then filed out. Orin turned to follow, but the Akalak called after him, ”Human. Good work today. I saw how hard you were trying. Keep at it, maybe you’ll make something of yourself.” Orin bowed again, as it seemed appropriate, then walked out of the door, this time, however, with a huge smile on his face.

by **Orin Fenix** on July 6th, 2017, 11:52 pm

Character Name

Skills

Lores

Rewards/Consequences

Orin will feel sore and have trouble walking for 2 days.

Notes :

Solo [Tuvya Sasaran] Kicking Up a Storm (Solo)