Marvelous stills, taking a deep breath, and turns toward her. "We're starting with survival instincts," he tells her, "that's what's gonna keep you alive, not fancy moves or weapons. You've gotta know when to pull out, and when to push ahead. And before that, you've gotta know how to take a hit--and how to lay one out. Now, put up your dukes."

He rolls his shoulders, and then lifts his own. He's weighed down in his coat, of course, but if he needs to take it off in their first training session, she'll be twice as good as he expects her to be.