I'll either beat you or I'll break you (Phoenix)

[Jack]

He had to duck as he passed through the large archway that lead to the training yard of the Invictus section of the complex. Jack dropped down the bags he was carrying and stripped off the large warm layers of clothing, so he was just wearing his Jacket and regular gear. There had been a few rumors buzzing around that the intelligence division were buffing up their numbers and Jack couldn't stand by doing nothing while his partner's division was doing better than his.

Jack had assembled his whole fighting force out into the yard for some serious drilling. "I am going to work you to the bone today!" Jack yelled over the various groans. Sitting down on a stool Jack watched over their training with a keen eye. Between exercises Jack would call out encouragement and advice. He had them do a simply drill just partner up and shadow box with one another, shoot in for the take downs but not to follow through with it. After a while he then partnered them up into two different types of groups a group of three and a group of two. He then had the group of three fight the group of two and observed their tactics. He wanted to get them used to always fighting more opponents.

Some of his fighters were more seasoned than the others, he made sure to partner seasoned fighters with non seasoned fighters. You didn't even have to be a fighter to be able to tell the difference. Their attacks had little to no technique and even a blind person could see them the way they were so telegraphed.

A few exchanges of blows between each groups and bodies began to drop, quickly. Eventually Jack called a stop to the fights and had them gathered around. He named his most senior fights and had them line up.

"Okay for this next drill you are going to be in pairs. You will go up against challengers but their numbers will be unknown what you will know is they are armed and dangerous. Armed with what, you will not know until you fight them. Their numbers can range anywhere between one and three." Jack motioned to the large bags scattered around the yard. "In each bag is a little fold out structure that will obscure people's view from seeing your numbers and weapons. In your pairs you are to progress from each obstacle defend yourselves and move on." Jack clapped and they all hurried off. His first two trainees were armed with batons.

"Okay go!" they moved on off to the first target when two people rushed out at them, they went one after another, only fanning out once they were within striking distance. "Defend yourselves" the veterans were only going light and easy this was a training exercise. "Okay move on, but you've lost your weapons proceed on foot!" next was just one guy armed with a single baton. They performed a nice technique where one guy blocked and the other guy did a single leg take down and then the other guy who blocked got off a pin and disarmed him. "Move on!" when they reached the new obstacle two more rushed at them. They wrestles for a bit and when they got to the ground they pulled out rubber knives and started to stab them. "CLEAR!" he yelled which was the command to stop what you're doing.

"You're both dead. You never know what your opponent has concealed sometimes going to ground isn't the best thing to do in a one versus one. Make sure you're always in a dominant position. Go for the wrist lock over the choke. Because if you leave his hands free and he gets onto that knife you better hope you've killed him before he's stabbed the shit out of you." Jack waved them through and sat down, two new recruits lined up. "Go!"

Half way through their drill a person approached him and handed him a letter, Jack read it and nodded. "Tell him I'll be ready in a bit"

[Phoenix]

OOC: Short, I know, but not a lot to add really!

Harsh cries echoed through the air as Phoenix reclined against a stone pillar. Down below Jack was running another one of his drill sessions, the noise made contemplation and thought difficult. Lazily flicking an eye towards the proceedings, tracking the exchanges of blows made between opponents, calculating what the next blow would be, even for an inexperienced fighter such as Phoenix it was still child's play. Boredom began to seep through Phoenix, a cold feeling that crept throughout his body snuffing out any interest. He still hated the cold. The temptation to jump into the midst of the training below was almost overwhelming. The inexperienced fighters would only prove a momentary distraction and it would most likely draw the wrath of Jack, which while interesting, was probably not wise. Reaching instead within his jacket for a piece of paper and ink, Phoenix penned out a note to his friend:

”Jack,

Training. Immediately. I'll follow.

- Phoenix”

Folding the single sheet of paper and making sure that it would find Jack, Phoenix turned his gaze back to the ventures below just in time to hear his friend yell the signal to halt the exercise. For the first time, Phoenix observed Jack directly, his message had been received and from the movements of Jack's lips it seemed that he'd have to wait a short while. Shuffling around to find a more comfortable position for his back against the stone, Phoenix settled in to wait for Jack.

[Jack]

After the final group ran though. "Okay guys get some food and rest that's an end to our morning drills. We'll meet back here in a few hours for afternoon training." With that Jack stood up and left the drill yard to seek out Phoenix, or more correctly to just go somewhere and he'd seek him out.

So that's exactly what Jack did, he moved on off to a smaller area and waited patiently. Leaning against the building he pulled out a cigarette and lit up. Sighing as he exhaled Training huh? You're going to regret this, old friend. Jack chuckled to himself it had been sometime since they fought.

While it wasn't as cold in California as it was in New York this time of the year, living in the hot climate of Long Beach has made him unaccustomed to the cold. He was thankful for this little area which was secluded from the main complex sort of tucked around the corner of the building. With their numbers still low many parts of the complex were still not being used and this was one of them.

[Phoenix]

Finally. The drills were over. Phoenix stepped away from the stone pillar and leaned out of the arch it supported to keep an eye on where Jack went. The sun was still rising, shadows splayed out across the yard in the shapes of men; some injured, some tired but only a few still standing and unscathed. That had always been the trend with Jack's trainings. Somehow, Phoenix had a feeling that he would be lucky to get through his own bouts with Jack unharmed. Momentarily mesmerised by the shadows, he almost lost track of Jack as he rounded a corner to some of the lesser frequented areas of the building. Following the same route, albeit a floor or two above, Phoenix turned the corner and saw a thin line of smoke drift lazily upwards at the end of the corridor accompanied by a familiar chuckle. At least he's never hard to follow.

“What's so funny?”

His voice would easily carry out of the building and down to Jack whilst he climbed down the outside of the crumbling wall to stand next to his friend. The area that Jack had chosen was almost ideally suited for its purpose. A wide square of tile and cement clearly in disrepair with a thin covering of grass slowly snaking its way up through the cracks. It had probably been used as a quadrangle, it lay away from the busier parts of the complex, providing them with privacy and no distractions.

[Jack]

"You" Jack said at last, letting his cigarette drop to the floor before he stamped it out. "You can't just walk up and ask me for a training session. Always have to be all proper and correct. Sending letters back and forth like we're in the renaissance or some shit" the older male sighed at the idea of it all.

"Honestly I have no idea how you've managed to survive in this lawless world" he said at last rising his palms up, while closing his eyes and shaking his head. Surrendering to the paradox that was Phoenix's survival until now.

"Anyway we might as well get started. What would you like to practice today? Grappling or striking?" he paused for a second thinking about it "or even weapons?"

[Phoenix]

The moss and patches of grass covering the cemented ground made walking a slightly slippery affair as Phoenix turned to face his friend. The morning sun beat down onto the open area, reflecting harshly off the few windows still clinging to their frames. It was an austere backdrop for a training session with his mentor.

“You can't just walk up and ask me for a training session. Always have to be all proper and correct. Sending letters back and forth like we're in the Renaissance or some shit. Honestly, I have no idea how you've managed to survive in this lawless world.”

[/color]

A light chuckle escaped from Phoenix's lips as he watched Jack's body language. Few things escaped Jack's understanding in terms of survival and combat, but Phoenix enjoyed being at least one of the few exceptions.

“You have no idea? Ideas were never really your forte though were they, Jack?

The chuckle was replaced by a thin smile across Phoenix's features. Taunting Jack just before training wasn't the wisest course of action, however, Phoenix found that he couldn't resist. He'd even thrown an Italian phrase into his reply to match Jack's reference to the Renaissance, both to annoy Jack and to see if he'd notice.

“Anyway, we might as well get started. What would you like to practice today? Grappling or striking? Or even weapons?”

Phoenix intently glanced at Jack as he contemplated which course of action to pursue. Despite being considered a genius by most and possessing a significant advantage in terms of intelligence to Jack, his friend would have the advantage no matter what option he chose. Jack was, in his own way, a prodigy, not of the mind, but of the body. He had developed an understanding of combat that ran deeper than most. Many people only sought the knowledge of the world presented to them in text books and that would be their understanding of the world – Phoenix saw an entirely different world.

“Surprise me”

[Jack]

A grin crept across his face as he took in the last words of Phoenix. He rocked back as if he were about to fall over, catching himself by stepping back with his right foot he bent down low at the knees and he burst forward taking as much Phoenix’s space as possible without hugging the man.

His hands came up as he adopted a more orthodox wrestling stance, with his weight low and stable as opposed to a more strike fighter who would be lighter on their feet.

Phoenix would assume Jack being a primary strike fighter would adopt his more standard strike stance such as in Muay Thai or all round classical MMA stance which is a cross between his current stance and a more traditional kickboxing stance.

Just before he got within striking range he switched his stance coming up into a lighter footed stance, this slowed his movement down but that is what he wanted to do. He stood taller as his hands moved in a blur. A simple One-One-Two combination with two jabs followed by a right, however his right was sent but never retracted.

As Jack was continuously moving closer he hoped that the Phoenix would be preoccupied with defending himself than judging distances between them. Jack had entered Phoenix's strike zone with his hands.

So instead of throwing a right punch Jack’s hand would shoot passed Phoenix’s left side and grab onto his clothing while he took a step in with his right foot and used it as a pivot point to swing his body around.

Bending at the knees with his feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart like a volley ball player going for a spike or a basketball player who is going for the block. Jack would complete his hold around Phoenix’s side by reaching around with his left and locking his left hand onto his right wrist.

Using his superior strength Jack would push off with his legs and buck his hips forward into Phoenix and perform a variation of a German suplex. Jack had not been able to get Phoenix completely around the back so he had to settle for some middle ground. While a German suplex required the attacker to lift his opponent right into the air, Jack decided to tackle more like an AFL player by almost slinging Phoenix into the ground while adding the extra lift of a suplex. . From there Phoenix and Jack would both be on their sides with and fighting to get the superior position, which Jack in the more favorable starting points.

[Phoenix]

A threatening grin appeared on his friend's face. An ominous manifestation of the promised violence that was to inevitably follow. Settling in to one of the defensive stances that had been taught to him by the very man he was about to fight, Phoenix could clearly see his opponent step back then burst forward at blistering pace. Despite having seen Jack fight on multiple other occasions, the speed and ferocity with which he waged battle was still on a scale completely foreign to Phoenix. With hands a blur and an ever decreasing distance separating them, there was only one advantage that Phoenix knew he could turn to; his knowledge of Jack's fighting patterns.

Weight low and footfalls heavy, it was obvious that this wasn't the usual approach Jack pursued. It was the change in speed that saved Phoenix. He could now track Jack's movements... if only just. Instinctively raising his guard, a left jab smashed into his forearms, the feeling of calloused knuckles slamming into rigid bone reverberated through his body. A rogue thought crashed through his mind. The change in stance and the decrease in speed were both part of the same bluff, one that Phoenix knew Jack used constantly to great effect, however, something was not adding up. Another jab. Left again - and lower. Concentration diverted, Phoenix adjusted to the second jab, feeling once more the power behind Jack's blows. Knowing that a follow up, right handed punch was inevitable, Phoenix tightened his guard. That was when he noticed, Jack was too close!

Before he could move, he felt Jack's hand clench the fabric at his side in a fist. Phoenix fought frantically as Jack lifted him, trying desperately to break his grasp. Elbows and fists landed, however, they wouldn't be enough, they wouldn't even distract someone of his friend's size and experience. Doing the only thing he could think of, Phoenix threw his weight and arms towards Jack's shins in an attempt to grab them, altering his center of gravity.

[Jack]

Phoenix struggled valiantly, everyday the younger male honed both his body and his mind, in a few years he would surpass Jack by as large a distance as he already has in intellect. But for now, Jack was the king when it came to brawling and he would keep it that way.

Letting his feet slide toward Phoenix's hands but shoot passed them as he pulled Phoenix to the ground. Effectively free falling, using his superior strength and weight to bring Phoenix to the ground.

Throwing his leg around Phoenix as they would struggle against one another Jack would continue to use his large, long limbs to grapple with Phoenix until he got his forearm around his neck. Performing rear naked choke Jack would cut the blood flow to Phoenix's brain. Within a few seconds the younger male would be unconscious.

[Phoenix]

Throughout the struggling, throwing fist and elbow alike, the vice-like grip of Jack never loosened. He had known that it wouldn't, his last hope of a positive outcome was in throwing his weight forward, trying to roll through Jack's legs and flip the circumstances on themselves. Doing just that, a sudden dropping sensation shot through his stomach. Quickly glancing to the ground as he lunged downwards towards Jack's legs, he could already the hard earth rushing up to meet him.

The combined weight of his friend's weight enhanced by gravity made impact crushingly painful. The air rushed out of his lungs. Thankful that he hadn't landed on some of the scattered cement and tile, Phoenix quickly tried to get his feet underneath himself. He had barely gotten halfway before Jack's leg shot around his midsection, bringing him back down to the ground harshly. A cry of pain exploded in his lungs but he trapped it in his throat, Jack would not get that satisfaction. He could feel rather than see Jack's limbs seeking out his neck, trying to grapple him into submission. Throwing another combination of elbows at the figure who was now behind him, Phoenix tried to buck around on the ground, anything to make it harder for his opponent to grasp his throat but it was next to useless as the strong fingers of Jack slowly clawed their way around. Using what he had been taught, he attempted to tuck his chin into his chest, flexing his neck muscles to prolong the amount of time that he had before he passed out, he would never give up so easily. Slowly, the tightness around his neck increased to the point where he couldn't breathe. Darkness began to creep into his vision, erasing all. In a last ditch attempt to free himself, he raked his nails along the forearm that was secured around his neck but the arm held true and soon all he could see was darkness as he felt his body go limp and his mind drift into unconsciousness.

[Jack]

As Phoenix flailed around it just made it easier for Jack to land his submission. While that was certainly a negative, the positive was Phoenix refused to lose. So when Phoenix began to go limp Jack instantly loosened his bind onto his friend.

He had passed out but just barely, not being a doctor he had no idea how long Phoenix would be out for but it could be a few seconds or the rest of the night. In truth when the blood continued to flow back to the brain all that was different about him was that he was either sleeping or awake that's all.

Jack cradled Phoenix’s body carefully and carried him under the shelter of little overpass Phoenix had used to climb down. Rolling up his jacket he placed it under his friend’s head to act as a pillow until he came to. There was no point letting any of the men see Phoenix in a defeated state. Unlike Jack Phoenix was the symbol of this organization, he was the one who never wavered even when Jack was on the brink of death even his own men turned to Phoenix for help.

In the mean time he would sit with his legs crossed on the cold floor and smoke a cigarette.

[Phoenix]

The acrid smell of smoke broke him back to his senses. Cracking open his eyes, he coughed, rubbing a hand on his sore, battered throat, it still burned. He could almost still feel the force of Jack's arm pressing down on his fragile neck. Checking his surroundings, he recognised the walls as those of the overpass he had climbed down from. Stirring himself up into a seated position, he was silently thankful that his friend had hidden him from sight. It wasn't something that Phoenix wanted any one to see. Glancing over at Jack, he saw that he was only on his second cigarette. He couldn't have been out for more than 15 minutes. Scooping up the jacket he had borrowed, he stood up and made his way over to Jack.

“What's next?”

[Jack]

Jack looked up briefly before motioning with his free hand for Phoenix to sit. "We talk" is all he said in relation to Phoenix's question.

"Your footing is superb, you've not only been able to mimic my movements but also use your innate ability to understand things to bend them to you." taking a drag of his cigarette he gathered his thoughts. "Just like the physical gap between us in terms of height, weight, speed and general size the gap between myself and my master was the same. So I guess in an odd way we are similar, my master's fighting style could never have been performed by me and my style will never be performed by you. To the same effectiveness of course."

What Jack was getting at was, his stance was developed for himself, he used his master's stance as a base and then changed it. So if Phoenix copied Jack's stance it wouldn't work, it was designed to be suit him and his fighting style so Phoenix too will take Jack's stance and merge into his own. "So I must commend you on already taking the first steps into creating your own style." Butting out he reached for another on, his third one lighting it up he blew the smoke away.

"Let's start with what happened when I took you to ground, you did the opposite of freezing up, which is both good and bad. You were too rash, the more you lashed around the easier it was for me to slip in. Every time you moved you created gaps." He paused as he tried to think of a good example. "Take Fight Club for example, it's a one on one scenario with no threat of interference. Therefore you can take your time. While in our case it was over for you, if you meet a weaker opponent you may find it possible to get out of it."

Pausing as he scratched his beard Jack would continue "You want to always keep your chin down this will make them work to get in under your chin to perform the choke." Pausing he also thought about the other go to methods. "One technique is to get your hand between my forearm and your neck. Remember the aim is to stop the blood flood from your two arteries so they're the points you protect. After a while you try and turn into them it's a horrible feeling as when your hand or arm is in there it will feel like you're being crushed but you got to just push and work your way through. When you turn about ninety degrees you'll be able to break free. But this is hard if not impossible to do against a skilled opponent because of the speed and how close they are to you. It's not this swinging motion you may think so yes, If they're dumb enough to leave room it's as simple as straight up!" he thew his arm into the air and spun around getting up onto one knee.

"From here, eye gouge, throat strike, anything goes." Sitting back around he thought about another way. "There is a good technique so come here. Wrap your legs around my waist and go for the choke." He threw his cigarette to the side. "When you go for the choke I tuck my chin down, I keep myself tight and roll to the side, not back but to the side. Control your ankle with my left hand and apply pressure with my right and then roll to my right. Elbow into the ground and boom, you tap" Phoenix would feel a horrible sense of pain in his leg, his ankle was being torqued one way, his knee the other and it would all focus in on the center of his shin. If he didn't tap it felt like something would snap.


This is a very good technique mate:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LN1VoJhtns