[It's tempting to let Helena's strikes connect, but that's not the point of is, because that makes it too easy, less satisfying when she ends up with blood in her mouth, so she keeps blocking, already breathing hard as she dances back across the mat.
And Helena's right, of course she is, the viciousness might be fine against the criminals in Exsilium, ones who barely know how to throw a punch, but she's not going to last long in a fight against Helena if she doesn't pick up her game.
So Steph keeps retreating, until she can force herself to take a steady breath, until she can take the time to focus. She ducks under a punch, now, rather than blocking, trying to slip in close, feinting a kick before she strikes out with her palm at Helena's sternum.]
but why
And Helena's right, of course she is, the viciousness might be fine against the criminals in Exsilium, ones who barely know how to throw a punch, but she's not going to last long in a fight against Helena if she doesn't pick up her game.
So Steph keeps retreating, until she can force herself to take a steady breath, until she can take the time to focus. She ducks under a punch, now, rather than blocking, trying to slip in close, feinting a kick before she strikes out with her palm at Helena's sternum.]