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Post by Ryuzaki on Nov 23, 2014 15:26:57 GMT -6
Ryuzaki smiled. This would be quite the interesting night… Finally, a chance to duel. A chance to test the might of Gemini on one with more skill than a country bumpkin. Yes, yes. He would value this opportunity and use it to explore his blade’s possibilities. The sword’s secret ability was strong, and would definitely aid him in the battle to come - but he could not waste it. Too soon, and its surprise effectiveness would be wasted. Too late, and there would be no need. This Duma... He would feel the full fury of Ryuzaki!
With a smile and a grin, the thief assumed the two-handed grip and wide stance that signaled his readiness for combat. Looking pointedly at his opponent, Ryuzaki gave a polite bow and then narrowed his eyes, focusing.
"Haschel. Would you please judge the match?"
Without another word, the thief leaped into the air, performing an elegant backflip and landing, sword extended and rear hand up for balance. Let Duma betray his own weaknesses. Let him walk into the viper’s nest. Ryuzaki was waiting, waiting to lash out like a snake.
As the familiar tingling flowed back through his veins, Ryuzaki began to analyze his opponent. Duma would certainly be someone he needed to watch for, that was for certain. He obviously had more years with the sword... But Ryu would not be deterred by age. Here, in the shadows, his 'secret' ability and his sword would be even more frightening. Yes... Fear. Fear and confusion. He would sow the seeds of anxiety in his opponent's mind... Make him doubt himself.
And then... He would strike!
In a sudden burst of motion, the thief sprang forward, his sword flashing as he slashed upward in a diagonal slice.
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Post by Duma on Nov 23, 2014 21:11:30 GMT -6
As Haschel spoke, Duma continued prepping. He carefully examined his blade and holster for a moment. He kept an ear open and heard Ryuzaki ask Haschel to judge the match. My opponent is the well mannered rouge then. The sword master finished prepping and observed Ryuzaki after his bow. Impressive back flip. Just as he suspected Ryuzaki was well trained in speed and dexterity.
The sword-master would have his work cut out for him. Unlike most swordsman who focused more on honing their speed, he chose to sacrifice a bit of swiftness in order to beef up a bit. As a result Duma had a bit more stamina. And he could withstand some hits that would other wise kill a man with a slimmer build.
Experience told him he would have to time his strikes carefully against Ryuzaki. One slip up and he would be feeling the full wrath of his blade. What did he call it Gemini? There was also something else to Ryuzaki that Duma couldn't quite place, a hidden talent of some sort. No matter Duma would see it first hand soon enough. He took a stance and then a deep breath. Focus.
He knew better then to run out into the darkness. Patience. The darkness was going to be a problem. The evening sun was getting quite low, and soon his vision was going to be limited to what was illuminated by the fire. He honed his focus and sharpened his senses. He tuned out the sounds of all distractions, and observed his surroundings. His mind took note of any little nooks and crannies within the ruins that Ryuzaki could hide in.
A moment later he saw the slight flash of a steel approach him an upwards diagonal slice. He quickly moved aside and avoided the strike. Their was a smirk to him as he retaliated with a quick horizontal slash towards Ryuzaki. A simple strike that can be easily avoided or blocked. A strike that would leave him exposed at a certain angle. At least that is what he wanted his opponent to think.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Nov 23, 2014 23:39:10 GMT -6
OOC: Haschel has said that he'll hop back in to comment after the match. So for now, it's just you and me.
IC:
The man quickly stepped aside, and Ryuzaki felt his powerful slash slide through the air harmlessly. Hmm. The man was quicker on the draw than expected. This would make for an interesting contest.
As he followed through, Ryu's trained eyes spotted the slash coming towards him. It was too late to try and evade the strike; instead, he would have to try and use the swordmaster's attack against him.
So the thief brought his sword up, changing the arc's trajectory and sending his blade sailing down straight into the oncoming sword at a perpendicular angle.
There was a bright clang as the two blades collided, and an expression of mild surprise crossed Ryuzaki's face briefly as he held the stalemate for a second before drawing his blade off of the other man's and retreating slightly.
Duma was a lot stronger than he looked. His appearance masked his strength. That was good to know; he would have to be careful. Too many stalemates would tire the thief. He would have to use his speed and endurance to wear his foe down. Light strikes to his strong ones. Dodging.
The thief jerked his body, feinting a stab forward, and then rolled sideways, using the false attack to buy him time. Coming up at an angle to his opponent, Ryuzaki brought his sword down in a swift, one-handed stroke, his blade held in his left arm and his right ready.
A large strike like this took advantage of the power of gravity, enhancing its strength. But it also left a large hitbox for talented opponents, as Duma obviously would know. But the thief had a trick up his sleeve... It would be interesting to see if the Swordmaster would spring the trap.
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Post by Duma on Dec 1, 2014 14:43:39 GMT -6
As Duma’s blade collided with Ryuzaki’s in a perpendicular manner; Duma took a half step back as a precaution to avoid any oncoming attack. Ryuzaki seemed to do the same. He has probably figured out about my strengths with that blow. A direct confrontation would result in him losing more energy than needed. He’s going with light strikes and speed in an attempt to wear me down. The sword master mused to himself as he studied Ryuzaki’s movements. He prepared to defend himself from an obvious stab, but took notice of his footing. This stab is a ruse. Unable to fully ascertain which direction Ryuzaki would move towards, Duma decided to maintain a defensive position. Ryuzaki rolled aside and came at him from an angle, and used gravity to strengthen his strike. Duma managed to evade the man’s strike just slightly. A part of his robe got nicked.
Ryuzaki was left wide open for any sort of counter attack. Duma knew this. Instinct told him to take the chance and strike, but experience told him to wait. He obviously has something prepared for this. Duma wasn't going to fall for it. Although it would make for an interesting match there is no need to take any unnecessary risks. He took another half step back to give them some room. I am not going to get anywhere just dodging and defending. He readied himself.
He gave Ryuzaki a moment to regain himself before he took to the offensive. The daylight was nearly gone, and the sky above was turning the shade of black which allowed stars to shine. Duma did not want this fight to drag on longer then it needed. Focus once more. In a moment he closed the distance between them ready to strike in another horizontal slash. Regardless if Ryuzaki defended or moved out the way Duma was going to keep striking at him. He hoped that this continuous close combat style would give the rouge barely any room to maneuver.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Dec 7, 2014 21:02:56 GMT -6
The swordmaster retreated, moving backwards calmly as if in anticipation of Ryu's ruse. It was sorely disappointing. And just when he'd been prepared to surprise him...
As his stroke sailed by, Ryu retreated, bringing his blade up as the swordmaster seemed to wait, as if uncertain. Then he moved forward, clearly intending to shape the timing of the fight to his style and liking. A brutal, full on attack. Beautiful. Just what the thief wanted.
Duma moved in, his blade coming nearly horizontal now, its speed belying the power hidden in it. To dodge would be wise, but...
The thief, with Gemini in his left hand, sidestepped, and as the blade whipped by, slicing neatly through the side of his cloak, Ryu slammed his right arm down on the blade in a perplexingly masochistic move. But instead of the dull sound of flesh meeting steel, there was a bright clatter and the swordmaster's sword was directed towards the loamy earth... As if hit by a blade.
Ryu smiled, his teeth glimmering in the low light and his eyes flickering in the flames' glow, narrowed like a snake's.
"Surprise."
Without a second's respite, he darted in close, lunging and turning his body sideways, hiding himself behind his thrust. The stab was fast and strong; while easily deflected, hopefully it would catch the swordmaster off guard, considering the thief's hidden 'armor,' and open up other areas of weakness. So far, the fight had not involved any considerable defense for the thief. It seemed too simple, too easy...
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Post by Duma on Dec 17, 2014 15:51:13 GMT -6
Cheeky little thing. Duma thought to himself when he heard the clatter of steel upon his blade from the thief’s arm. The sword master was no stranger to armor. He himself had gauntlets made of leather, metal, and wood on his hands. They did well to protect his hands from the occasional blade or blunt force trauma of battle. And arm guards under his elongated sleeves too.
The rattling traveled up his arm for a moment, but the experienced man kept his grip on the blade. The sword master heard the faint sound of Ryuzaki’s voice mutter a word, and immediately prepared to deflect the incoming attack. Close range stab or slash watch his body to determine which.[/s] He caught the glimpse of Ryuzaki moving his body turning sideways. Stab![/s]
Duma instinctively deflected the stab. The clang of steel meeting steel rippled through the air once again. Something in Duma clicked, in a surprising burst of swiftness he quickly counter attacked. While the thief was still within close enough range, he slashed upwards at Ryuzaki, and then followed up with a quick almost unseen diagonal slash.
These hidden strikes were one of his special skills, Adept, it cost him some stamina to use but they were worth it. Duma wasn't a fan of showing this skill off. He liked to keep it under wraps, and bring it out only when needed. And with the setting sun and encroaching night, he felt that this was one of those needed times.
Few people can successfully see these hidden blows, and even fewer can defend or block them. He felt that his strike hit something, weather it was flesh, armor, or another blade he didn't know. For he was already on the offensive for the next strike, a stab of his own.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Jan 6, 2015 17:50:01 GMT -6
The stab shot home, but, as he had expected, Duma easily parried it. What came next, however, was not so easily explained. As the swordmaster whipped his own slash back at the thief, which Ryuzaki parried hastily, there was a dull glint, and the pain of a slash seared across his side. It was not as strong as the Swordmaster's full force... But where had it come from?
Now was not the time to think. Now was the time to react. If this man had power, let him use it. Ryu would outsmart him with his own power!
With reflexes honed by years of practice, as the pain ripped across his side, the thief backflipped, and as he landed, wincing slightly, he sprang forward again, diving slightly to the side of the Swordmaster, tucking, rolling, and... Disappearing?
For as he had launched into his rolling dive, Ryu had relaxed his body and become perfectly still, not reacting even as he impacted the loamy soil. And the thief's body had responded, fading away into invisibility. Unless Duma saw exactly where he had stopped rolling, he would be virtually indetectable in the shadows and low light. The gloom was a perfect shield.
The thief now waited. He would bide his time, until the Swordmaster involuntarily opened himself up. And then he would leap forth and strike, and bring the full power of Gemini to bear. His blade, forged for his hand... His blade, which he knew by name, and who answered only to its master. His power would shine through!
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Post by Duma on Jan 7, 2015 11:13:45 GMT -6
Damn. Duma thought as the rouge rolled past him and into the inky darkness of the shadows. He let out a reluctant sigh and quietly put his sword back in it's scabbard. No more. Duma decided that this would be a good place to stop the spar. The daylight was gone, and he felt that it was about time to give the elder a chance to speak. After all the good sir had been sitting patiently waiting for them. He did not want to walk into the shadows, blindly swinging his sword around at where his opponent could be. That sort of foolishness only invites disaster.
"Enough Ryuzaki. I yield." He spoke in a clear and calm tone. The swords-man lifted his arms up as a sign of surrender, before carefully putting them back down to his sides. He kept a grip on his sword, just as a precaution. He tried to keep his hearing focused on the shadows near him, in case if Ryuzaki didn't hear him and was still going to strike. He slowly returned to his place by the fire and sat down with a thud. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths to calm himself down. Battle had a way of bringing out the best, and the worst of him. He needed a moment to come back to his senses. After a bit he regained his composure. Much Better.
He took off his robe like garb and began to inspect the damage. A large cut through the fabric along with the usual dust and dirt. The tear was something he could mend with some needle and thread.
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Post by Haschel on Jan 11, 2015 14:02:09 GMT -6
Haschel would have fallen asleep a few times there if not for the occasional clash of swords ringing in the dark. He wondered if the noise would bring out any annoyances, but it didn't seem all too likely. He nodded and muttered to himself as he watched the battle, occasionally scratching his itchy moustache. "Intriguing... such skill! It has been much too long since I have seen combat with my own eyes, I forgot the feeling it creates, the tension and blood rising slowly." Of course, there was one thing from each of the fighters that intrigued him even more, something he had never seen in the old days.
"Sir Duma, I am sure that Sir Ryuzaki probably noticed more than I did, and my eyes may be a little slow now, but it seemed to me that you struck at him twice, but only swung once. Such an intriguing attack, who taught you how to do that? Only a true master of the sword could figure out how to move their blade in that manner."
"And Sir Ryuzaki." He called into the darkness. "I hope you haven't left us here, because for all I know, you have completely left this plane. To become one with the shadows, that is a skill fitting a master thief more than a swordsman, but regardless of who you are, it was delivered masterfully. It truly made me wonder if the battle was real to begin with!"
He chuckled to himself and stood, applauding the two fighters.
"Sir Duma, have you ever considered fighting in the arena? With that ability, I'm sure you could be twice the man I was in my prime." He chuckled again, "Quite literally, in fact."
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Post by Duma on Jan 14, 2015 13:17:32 GMT -6
A small tint of blush colored Duma's cheeks hearing praise from the elder. But it may not have been visible given the shadows and the way the fire seemed to light his face.
"Thank you for your praise Haschel." He cleared his throat slightly. Upon hearing Haschel making a comment about an arena Duma seemed to relax a bit.
"I have dabbled in an arena or two during my travels. They serve as a means to make some coin for said travels. Though most "arenas" I've been in aren't exactly sanctioned." A his head flashed a quick memory of him fighting in a pit against fellow mercenaries. A few drunken bar brawls. Things of that sort. He did recall dabbling in an official arena once, but that was in his youth under the supervision of his first boss. Which might as well have been in a distant era given all that he's seen and done up to this point.
"As for the skill it is something I've learned and had honed along my journey. It allows me to strike twice with one attack. But it is a work in progress. It tends to sap me of my strength, which is why I do not like to use it much." He fumbled through his pack looking for a needle and thread, when he found it he began work on fixing the tear. His needlework was not good, but it was enough to patch up the hole until he could get his cloak mended properly.
"Perhaps once I fully perfect the skill, it won't drain me as much." He turned his focus on mending the garb.
"Since I withdrew, Ryuzaki wins the match."
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Post by Haschel on Jan 20, 2015 9:15:25 GMT -6
Haschel chuckled and smiled, but truly he was deep in thought. Hmm, a skill that allows one to strike twice simultaneously. I wonder where this man learned such an ability. He briefly considered asking Duma outright, but decided against it, so as not to upset the man in any way. It would be simpler for him to find that out on his own.
"If you gentlemen don't mind, I am going to do a short workout before sleep. I'm sure you two could stay up much longer than an old codger like me and chat." he told them while standing up and stretching very slowly so as not to injure himself.
He walked a short distance from the camp and removed the robe he was wearing, leaving him bare-chested, but still with pants of course. His tan body had many scars all over it from the years of combat. He bandaged his hands up and began his workout routine, punching into the air while his legs were far apart from each other, to keep his flexibility and agility in shape. After making sure that his flexibility was in check, he moved on to difficult poses to help maintain his balance, such as reaching down to touch his foot while the other was in the air. These were the training methods he had found to be most effective while he was on his own. He finished up his workout with actual strength training, laying down and doing several push-ups and sit-ups, seeing as he didn't have anything else to train with, until he tired himself out and returned to the campsite, draping the robe over himself.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Jan 20, 2015 22:09:13 GMT -6
As quickly as it had begun, the intensity of the match faded, the Swordmaster conceding and laying down his arms. For a second, fury flashed through the thief's mind, and he considered striking the man as he stood, undefended. But he resisted. Senseless violence would not prevail here.
To calm his pulsing nerves, the thief remained hidden in the shadow of his Shade. After Haschel returned from his workout, the thief slowly stood up, feeling the familiar tingle as his body shimmered back into view near the crackling flames. It would certainly be surprising, to say the least.
"That was an exhilarating fight. I have not crossed blades with a worthy opponent in far too long... Duma, your skills are remarkable. I am honored to have sparred with you, although I would not call this a victory on my part. A draw is much more equitable; I did not defeat you, after all."
Smiling in a tranquil yet ill-at-ease manner, the thief turned his attention to the other unknown.
"Haschel... You've warmed yourself up... How about we have a little match? Just for fun, mind you, as I'm already tired, but still, a contest nonetheless. I yearn to test your steel. A man with the wisdom you possess must have some sort of singular prowess, and I'd love to figure out what it is."
Ryuzaki held his breath subconsciously, waiting for the assent he hoped so desperately would arise. He wanted to fight, to let his blade flicker and dance... He longed for the fresh feel of combat, the sharpening feeling and the rush of adrenaline.
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Post by Haschel on Jan 23, 2015 0:01:32 GMT -6
Haschel stopped and considered the young man's proposition for a second. Not only had he tired himself out, not "warmed up" as Ryuzaki had said, but the young man also seemed a bit too eager for the fight. Haschel did not come away from his home just to fight every single person that asked for a fight, he came to learn and grow. Not to mention, that he had lost all enjoyment that he once had while he was swordfighting. He was perfectly fine with training others in how to use the sword, but a spar just didn't feel right to him. "I am sorry, Sir Ryuzaki, but I am an old man, and it is much past my bed time." He chuckled to himself once again as he laid down on his bedding, using his cloak as a blanket. "Thank you for the company gentlemen, but I shall be on my way come morning, so I must rest now while I can. It was a pleasure."
Duma and Ryuzaki were quite the intriguing swordsmen, but Haschel did not feel at ease around them. This whole place had started to give him chills even. So that was that, he would leave right in the morning, as soon as daylight broke. He didn't know if either of them would still be around, but all three swordsmen had their own paths to follow, and they would likely meet again in the future if they continued on those paths. That was the way of the sword.
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Post by Ryuzaki on Jan 23, 2015 19:58:22 GMT -6
"No...?"
Ah. What a disappointment... He had hoped...
Well, he could find this man again. Haschel... A swordmaster... He would hunt him down, not for vengeance... But out of curiosity. He wanted to cross blades with this mysterious man. He would do anything necessary to make that dream come true. Even if it meant tracking him across the land, calling upon the way of his ancestors... The great Sacaean nomads.
Shaking his head slightly in bitter disappointment, the thief thrust his sword down into the earth, where it quivered gently, before walking off into the shadows.
After a few minutes, he came back bearing some slightly musty smelling blankets, which he placed in a large pile, taking two for himself.
"Feel free to use these if you need to. Nights on the plains can get cold."
Without another word, the thief wrapped the blankets around him in a mystifying swirl that seemed to be simultaneously constrictingly tight and impossibly loose, and closed his eyes gently, staying seated on the ground in lieu of lying.
Through the faint cracks of his eyes he kept open, Ryu glared unnoticeably at the eldest swordsman. He needed to know the man's strength... And the only way to do it was to spar. Haschel was hiding something. Some skill or power... Some blade. Well, it wasn't unreasonable. Gemini's secret still lay waiting, dormant and ready.
"Good night, swordsmen... May your rest refresh you and replenish your strength. I will leave come daybreak... Stay in my village as long as you would like, if you can bear the sight of these storied ruins."
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Post by Duma on Jan 23, 2015 23:10:02 GMT -6
Duma observed for a moment Haschel's little warm up routine. He was curious to see if the old man would take up Ryuzaki's offer for a battle. He was curious to see the old man's skill with a blade. Ryuzaki decided to emerge out of the shadows at last. Commenting that the match between them was a draw at best.
"There is more to victory then simply defeating an opponent." He replied back in a casual tone. A lesson he himself had learned through out his travels. Being alive and well is a victory enough. He thought for a moment. His mind wandered to his family. And wondered what they would be doing now if they were still among the living.
He finished mending his robe and then put it back on his body. He then turned his attention to his sword. He pulled from his bag a piece of cloth and a small flask of oil. He gently placed some oil on the cloth and put the flask back. Slowly the swordmaster began cleaning his blade. Checking it for damages. Hmm.. I might need to sharpen it sometime soon. Perhaps in the next town I can pay a smith.
His fingers felt a few nicks as he wiped away any grime. Ryuzaki emerged from the shadows again with a few musty blankets. Salvage he assumed from the village. It seemed that everyone was getting ready to retire for the night. Duma carefully put his sword back in it's scabbard, before getting up and grabbing one of the blankets for himself. He got up and shook off any dust and debris that may have been on it. Then took his seat back by the fire. Duma draped the blanket over his shoulders, and propped his back against a wall. He stretched his legs out so they would not cramp up. He observed that his other two companions were lying down.
"Sleep well you two. I'll be keeping watch for the first part of the night. If one of you would be so kind as to point out a trader's path or a path to town before you depart in the morning, I would greatly appreciate it." Duma doubted anyone would sneak up on three talented swordsmen in the middle of the night, but it did not hurt to be prepared. He closed his eyes momentarily. Preparing himself for the watch. He cleared his mind and relaxed. The subtle sounds of the plains whisphered into his ears. The soft rustle of grass, the sound of crickets, tiny field mice scurrying about along the dirt. He welcomed these noises and felt a strange sense of peace. By morning the campfire would be gone, and the men around it off on their separate ways.
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