Chapter 5: DOMS and Yoga
The days following the intense track session proved to be a brutal reckoning for Anya. The delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) hit her with a vengeance, far surpassing the aftermath of even her most grueling leg days at the gym. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest with the slightest movement, turning even the simplest tasks into agonizing ordeals.
For a full week, Anya was practically incapacitated. The pain was relentless, a constant reminder of her overexertion on the track. She could barely walk, let alone train, her enhanced physique seemingly betraying her with its heightened sensitivity to strain.
To make matters worse, her weakened state made her susceptible to a nasty cold that swept through the group. Anya's usually robust immune system, compromised by the physical stress, succumbed to the virus, leaving her bedridden and miserable.
Fortunately, her friends rallied around her, demonstrating the strength of their bond. Jessica, despite her initial gloating on the track, felt a pang of guilt seeing Anya's suffering. She put her competitive spirit aside and took on the role of caregiver, ensuring Anya had plenty of rest, fluids, and healthy meals.
Liesl, with her gentle nature and Victorian sensibilities, proved to be an excellent nurse. She brewed soothing teas, prepared comforting soups, and kept Anya company with stories and light conversation, distracting her from the pain and boredom.
Inana, though initially skeptical of Anya's "modern ailments," surprised everyone with her attentiveness. She utilized her ancient knowledge to prepare herbal remedies that helped alleviate Anya's symptoms and boosted her recovery.
Sophia, ever the pragmatist, focused on Anya's mental well-being. She brought books, movies, and puzzles to keep Anya entertained and engaged, ensuring her mind stayed active even while her body was forced to rest.
The experience served as a humbling reminder for Anya, and indeed for all of them, that even with enhanced abilities, the human body has its limits. It also reinforced the importance of balance, rest, and the invaluable support of true friends.
As Anya slowly recovered, she emerged with a newfound appreciation for her own resilience and the unwavering care of her companions. The track session had pushed her to her absolute limit, but it also revealed the depth of her friendships and the strength she could draw from those around her. The pain and illness had been a difficult trial, but it ultimately served as a catalyst for growth and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between pushing boundaries and respecting her own physical and mental well-being.
The aroma of roasted vegetables and sizzling garlic filled Anya's apartment as her friends gathered around the dining table. Despite the tempting spread, the atmosphere was tinged with a mixture of concern and amusement, thanks to Anya's current state.
The track session had left her with a severe case of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), rendering her practically immobile. Every movement, no matter how slight, elicited a string of colorful expletives from the usually stoic martial artist.
"Fucking hell!" Anya hissed, her face contorted in pain as she attempted to reach for a glass of water. "This shit is worse than any fucking injury I've ever had."
Jessica, seated next to her, winced sympathetically. "Here, let me get that for you, Anya."
"Thanks, Jess," Anya grunted, accepting the glass with a grateful nod. "I swear, I feel like I got hit by a fucking truck."
"Not gonna lie," Jessica added, "this feel way, way better than winning that MMA catfight we had before."
"No, fucker, you fucking lost that one" Anya's brow frowned with unmaskable frustration.
Liesl, ever the picture of Victorian propriety, stifled a giggle behind her hand. "Language, Anya, dear. There are ladies present."
"Fuck off, Liesl," Anya retorted with a pained grin. "I'm allowed to swear when I'm in this much fucking agony."
Inana, who had been observing the scene with a mixture of fascination and amusement, chimed in. "You know, Anya, in ancient Sumer, we had remedies for muscle pain. Perhaps I could whip something up for you."
"I appreciate the offer, Inana," Anya replied, "but I think I'll stick to modern medicine for now. Fuck knows what kind of weird shit you'd put in that potion."
Sophia, who had been unusually quiet throughout the ordeal, suddenly burst into laughter. "I'm sorry, Anya," she gasped, wiping tears from her eyes. "But it's just so… unexpected. You're usually so tough, and now you can barely move without cursing."
Anya glared at her playfully. "Fuck you, Sophia. You're enjoying this way too much."
"I can't help it," Sophia replied, still chuckling. "It's nice to see you let loose a little."
Anya sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Laugh it up, you fucking nerds. But just remember this when you're old and crippled and I'm the one laughing at you. Ouch, ow, Ow, Fuuuck!"
Despite the constant stream of profanity, the dinner proceeded in good spirits. Anya's friends, though initially concerned by her condition, found her foul-mouthed suffering strangely endearing. They rallied around her, helping her with everything from cutting her food to adjusting her pillows.
Anya arrived at the track, her lean, muscular frame clad in a sleek, high-tech crop top and briefs. The crop top was a vibrant, electric blue color and was made of a shiny, latex-like material that hugged her torso. The briefs were a matching blue, but with a slightly darker, more muted tone. They were made of a stretchy, mesh-like material that provided ventilation and flexibility.
Anya's hair was styled in a neat, high bun, showcasing her heart-shaped face and bright, expressive eyes. Her hair was a cool, icy purple color, a bold choice that suited her confident and adventurous personality.
As she moved, it was clear that Anya's outfit was designed to showcase her athletic physique. The crop top and briefs left little to the imagination, but in a way that was more sporty than suggestive. Her toned arms and legs were on full display, and her flat stomach was visible whenever she twisted or turned. Despite the revealing nature of her outfit, Anya exuded a sense of confidence and comfort, as if she was completely at ease in her own skin.
Her friends couldn't help but notice her bold outfit, and they had mixed reactions. Sophia raised an eyebrow and teased, "Wow, Anya, you're really going for the 'minimalist' look today, aren't you?" Liesl, on the other hand, complimented her, saying, "I love the color of your hair, Anya! It really brings out your eyes." Jessica simply grinned and said, "You're rocking that outfit, girl! You're definitely the coolest cat on the track today." Inana just rolled her eyes good-naturedly and muttered, "Only you could pull off an outfit like that, Anya."
As Jessica arrived at the track, her friends couldn't help but notice her outfit. Inana's eyes widened as she took in the Gucci logo and Louis Vuitton shoes. "Wow, Jess, how much did that outfit set you back?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Jessica just smiled and said, "Oh, not telling, but it was worth every penny."
Sophia teased, "Oh, come on, Jess, you're such a Hong Kong girl - always loving the money and the brands. You're like a walking billboard for Gucci and LV!"
Liesl's eyes sparkled with amusement as she whispered in her ear, "That Gucci x Dapper Dan collaboration is a limited edition, and those LV shoes are bespoke. I'd say that outfit is worth at least $10,000, if not more." She smiled wryly and added, "I must say, Jess, you're richer than I was in my Victorian heyday."
Anya, meanwhile, looked at Jessica's outfit with a puzzled expression. "I don't get it," she said. "It just looks like a normal black outfit to me. What's the big deal?"
Jessica laughed and said, "That's because you're not into brands, Anya. Anyways, shall we start?"
The group gathered in Jessica's spacious, sunlit home studio. Yoga mats were laid out in a semicircle, facing the floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Jessica stood at the front, her posture perfect and her expression determined.
"Alright, ladies," Jessica began, her voice crisp and authoritative. "Today we're focusing on flexibility, particularly for splits. This isn't going to be easy, but it's necessary if you want to improve."
Anya nodded, her face set with determination. Sophia looked curious, while Inana and Liesl exchanged nervous glances.
They started with basic warm-ups, but Jessica quickly ramped up the intensity. "Okay, let's move into a deep lunge. Right leg forward, left leg back. Sink into it."
As they held the pose, Jessica walked around, adjusting their positions. She paused at Inana, who was visibly struggling.
"Inana, lower that hip. I want to see you sinking deeper," Jessica instructed firmly.
Inana gritted her teeth. "I'm trying, but it burns!"
"That's the point," Jessica replied, unmoved. "Hold it for two more minutes."
Inana's eyes widened in disbelief, but she didn't argue.
Moving on to Liesl, Jessica frowned. "Liesl, straighten that back leg. Really reach with your heel."
Liesl gasped as she tried to comply, her Victorian-era muscles protesting.
"I... I don't think I can," Liesl panted.
"You can, and you will," Jessica insisted. "Three minutes in this position. Both of you need to push past your comfort zones."
As Inana and Liesl held their painful stretches, Jessica continued leading the others through increasingly challenging poses. She was relentless, demanding perfect form and extended hold times.
"Pigeon pose now," Jessica announced. "I want to see those hips opening up."
Anya and Sophia moved into the pose with relative ease, but Inana and Liesl struggled mightily.
"Inana, get that chest lower to the ground," Jessica commanded. "Liesl, rotate that back hip down more. Yes, it hurts. That's how you know it's working."
By the end of the hour, everyone was drenched in sweat. Inana collapsed onto her mat, groaning. Liesl sat up slowly, wincing with every movement.
"Excellent work today, everyone," Jessica said, her tone softening slightly. "Especially you two," she nodded at Inana and Liesl. "I know it was tough, but you pushed through. That's how we make progress."
Inana managed to lift her head. "Progress towards what? Torture resistance?"
Jessica laughed. "Towards flexibility, strength, and ultimately, those splits we're aiming for. Trust the process. You'll thank me later."
As they rolled up their mats, there was a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment in the air. Jessica's demanding session had pushed them all to their limits, but especially Inana and Liesl. It was clear that their journey to flexibility would be a challenging one, but under Jessica's strict guidance, they were undoubtedly on the right path.
