[center][color=Moccasin][b][h2]Reese Kestrel[/h2][/b][/color]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/KUk5hBd.png[/img][/center]

[center][@HecateProxy][/center]

[indent][color=Gray]Only two sessions of spars into the company's hand-to-hand combat training, and already, Reese felt as if the supernatural beings within the heavens were working against him. It certainly did not fare well for his mentality that he was at a severe disadvantage with his lack of knowledge, his mind continually recycling the demonstrations from the instructor but being unable to replicate said presentations. After his attempt of Lauren's technique resulted in a narrow failure, the boy fumbled backwards as he was caught breathless for a moment, viewing the direct strike to his neck as an unethical strike.

Choking violently, Reese painfully cleared his throat as a hint of anger arose within his spirit, having been taken aback by such an attack that could have convinced the boy that it had been a personal one. His eyes narrowed, tossing out the inhibition that had festered from his insecurities and forgoing Lauren's request. While he had much more to learn and even more to refine, he was beginning to understand Schulz' lecture of never holding back. While there was not much for him to be restraining in the first place, he could see that his fear of potentially hurting his friends was detrimental.

And from that attack, it was clear to Reese that Mora, or anyone else, did not intend to allow the fact to deter their own strategy, either.

Allowing Mora to make the next step, the boy prepared himself to pay careful attention to the redhead's motions; if his own raw power was not enough to defeat her, Reese would have to rely on the lessons imparted to them. Reciting Schulz' techniques once more within his mind, he anticipated his opponent's charge, quickly devising his only method of a victory. Knowing that she would take the bait, he ensured that his feet stumbled for a clumsy dodge.

Reese felt confident as Mora rushed him once more, taking a step back and raising his hands to catch her left first for a grab. That was when he realized that he had also fallen into her own plan, suddenly pulled towards her while the wind kicked from his lungs, a splatter of blood expelling from his mouth. His strategy had faltered, but the boy did not allow the misstep to end in his defeat. He fought through the pain that fluttered around his torso, sending the momentum to his right foot.

He jumped with the step, arching his left shoulder back and spinning in a half-revolution as Reese landed swiftly behind Mora. The boy did not allow her to set herself steadily as he stood himself firmly, his right arm locking around her neck in the motion of landing, the hold solidified through his left elbow scissoring his right fist. For the moment, Reese felt the hymn of victory sound within his ears as Mora was about to stumble entirely from his unexpected retaliation, only for her to break free in the nick of time, causing him to decline backwards.

Sweat beaded his face, blood continuing to trickle from the side of Reese's mouth as he took a seat to the ground, cycling the pain along his torso through heavy breathing.[/color] [color=Moccasin][b]"Close one,"[/b][/color] [color=Gray]the boy could only manage, his thumb wiping the blood but unsuccessful in stopping its leakage.[/color][/indent]