Uprising

Hercules

Artemis walked back in, carrying her sword in one hand. “We're going to do the basics first, pray to the gods that you don't tear anything but Perseus apart for once.” Alkyone called from where she stood with Athena and Lady Aella. Artemis rolled her eyes, “If he wasn't on the ground, I'm sure I wouldn't hit anything but him!” Calmly she steadied her sword in both hands, never taking her eyes off of the dummy. She took a second to look him over, moving slightly to the right, then quickly, she jabbed her sword into his foot, then spun back, slashing him across the chest. Artemis dropped down to the ground for a second and tuned to face her opponent, She jumped straight up in the air, and cut upwards straight through Perseus' shoulder, then while in air, she moved the sword down, and brought herself down as well. She created a huge gash across Perseus' face, straight through his torso, and indented the ground. Artemis felt uncomfortable with the moves, so she felt like she had to do them in one attack to get them in a good rhythm.

Lady Aella clapped happily, whereas Athena seemed generally stunned. Alkyone walked over, “You did good, but as usual, you slipped slightly and wasted too much energy on your combo. That and you paused for a split second before going into an upward slash, not good.” Artemis listened intently. She looked to where Athena and Lady Aella sat, “Any tips, you're the war goddess....” Athena shrugged, “With my state of mind, I don't think I would be of any help, ha!” She held one hand over her mouth before continuing to look on. Artemis sighed, turning back to Alkyone. “I've decided that you can't train with Perseus for the next week, he's won't be suited for your training this time...” Artemis stared at her, confusion riddled her face, “And so what will I be training with?” Alkyone had walked near a bush, and pulled out her rapier, “Not what, who.” I will be your opponent.” Artemis' eyes widened in surprise, “Ah....real war coming, real opponents. Good choice.”

Alkyone snorted, “Yes. That's the point, Artemis. And if you manage to best me.......Well....”She seemed to wander off for a moment, before snapping back into reality, “Ah~! I know, last time we fought like this, you wanted to know how old I am, I just tell you....If you win.” she added with a devilish grin. Artemis sighed,

Great, now she's not going to hold back.....

she mentally moaned. Even still she readied here stance, “Wow....that was quite a while ago. How do you know I don't already know your age?” Her teacher charged at her without response. “Good point.” Artemis muttered before dodging the first attack.

Artemis could do nothing but dodge, at first she had thought herself faster than Alkyone, and now she knew that she wasn't. Barely dodging any attack the womyn threw at her, Artemis was finding it hard to focus or find an opening. The quick jabs were barely missing her at all, so she had to keep her guard up. Even still, “This is no way to fight...”she growled angrily, mostly at herself. After having to dodge a swipe to her midsection, Artemis growled loudly, and moved her sword behind her with unfounded speed. As Alkyone came with another charge, Artemis disregarded her weapon altogether and dropped to the floor, she came up with her elbow and rammed it into Alkyone's stomach, sending her back a few feet stumbling. She didn't move again and stood perfectly silent.

Artemis paused, an eerie feeling coming over her, “I'm so sorry, I-” Her teacher put up a hand, and motioned for Artemis' sword. Artemis moved it to her hands, and held it out for her, “You want my sword?” Alkyone shook her head before finally finding the words to say, “....*cough* *cough*......N-no, if that sword leaves your hands again, I will kill you.” All the womyn in the room wore a look of shock. “Why?” Artemis asked, fear tried to stay out of her words, Alkyone looked to Artemis than picked up her sword, which had been tossed to the floor in her attack. “This is a sword training practice, Artemis. What made you think I wanted you to fight with anything but you sword right now?” Artemis didn't answer, her anger had taken control earlier...again. “I'm sorry Alkyone, I wasn't thinking clearly....”