He would be able to see Poppy pause, trying to think. She kicked out her legs, using her momentum to pitch herself forward. The person holding her fell forward, and she jabbed her elbow into his gut, forcing him to let go. She rolled, getting back into a standing position. Derrick pressed a button and his voice went out on an intercom in the fighting room. "That was sloppy, Poppy. Do better." She nodded, but didn't respond, and Derrick glanced at Francis out of the corner of his eye. "I'm sure you've noticed how small your fiancée is, yes? She's both short and slender, so strength is not on her side."
He nodded slowly. "I've noticed," he said. "She's quick, though, and can use her size to get out easier."
"Exactly. But that mean she can't allow herself to get cornered." He turned a lever, and Poppy was suddenly faced with a dozen simulated men.
She took a deep breath, rolling her shoulders slightly. They came at her all at once, and for a moment she was completely obscured by the crowd. Eventually, though, Francis would notice them tripping on each other and falling, hitting the ground hard.
Their proximity to each other was their downfall, and they knocked each other over like dominoes as they fell. Derrick cocked his head. "She understands that getting them on the ground is her best chance at survival," he said. "These exercises are more about allowing her the opportunity to get away."
The last one fell, and Poppy pulled away, running towards the wall. She slapped her hand against it, and the people disappeared. Derrick tapped a few more buttons, before speaking into the intercom. "Alright, Pops. You know the drill." Poppy sighed before lying down I. The center of the room.
Derrick pursed his lips. "She tries to get up." He pushed several buttons, and Poppy was suddenly held down, a foot on her neck that was connected to an impassive man. Her arms and legs were held down by two more men, and she frowned, staring up at the ceiling.
Her breaths were coming in short and panicked. Her wide eyes darted around as she regarded the men above her. "She had a little bit of a meltdown the first time we tried this, you know," Derrick said, crossing his arms. "It still really freaks her out."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before whipping her head to the side, getting out from under the foot. The man lost his balance and he stumbled. She spat in the face of the one holding her arms and when he jerked back, she sat up and head butted his neck. He choked and she wrenched her arm free, shoving him back into the man holding her legs. She got free and managed to stand up, stumbling slightly.
One of the men pulled out a knife, and managed to catch Poppy as she was fleeing. He wrapped his arm around her, pressing the knife to her throat.
