Sparring the Ascended

[--peerless42 59]

Luck, wits, and thinking on the fly were what he knew as a soldier. Against the forces of Iblees you didn't get the luxury of thought. The same could be said against an Ascended, the elements seemed to be their play-things; among other things. He could have sworn the arrow impacted but her magic acted far too quick for him to judge it. He felt thrown like a rag-doll at the sudden wind-burst that she had saved just for him. His eyes closed from the hard landing, as iron rattled his head throbbed from the impact. A ringing sensation echoed in his ears. Luckily Safen could feel the blood coursing to all of his limbs, still intact at least. Breathing a tired sigh, he was lucky to keep his sword in hand, despite the trouncing he just took.

Pushing his knee's up he slowly recovered at aid of his sword pushing him up. His armor scorched in spots, rattled and shaken from the stresses of magic. Slowly his crimson eyes rose to meet the picture of deadly benevolence that is Lady Shoi. A grin encapsulated his face as he still had some fight left in him, that was when he made the cocky remark.

"Going easy on me hm?"

[Shoi 173]

-Raised her hand to her lips hiding the small smile crossing her lips-

'So you found me out... Yet I feel as if possibly you were as well....'

-Even though she somewhat mocked him, she allowed her body to rest. Feeling the energy slowly coils it's way back from the spells. [+5 Mana] She would not make a move, still holding firmly. Her hand lowered showing her smile, her hand stung like crazy. As she clenched her fist the blood falling coiled to silver before even landing on the ground. She winced feeling the pain jolt up her arm as she pushed it to the back of her mind. She shifted her frame so her good hand faced him as she curled her fingers for him to come at her.-

[76 Mana]

[--peerless42 59]

"You're partially right, I know if I fell you with my sword, you will be reborn. But still, you're my friend -and as such, I cannot shame you by holding back anymore."

Holding the blade in the ancient shien-style, his left shoulder ahead, as his body remained slant. The blade handle gripped away from his body, his eyes fixed on her as his expression turned killer.

He loved her as much as any one friend ever could, and would always honor her memory. Even when he grew old and toothless. His heart calmed then steadied as he willed it to. His left foot edged forward as he suddenly sprang into a full run to close the distance.

Blade pointing back as he charged he would quickly pant as ragged breaths drew. Then the slash came aimed for her ribs, his right foot remained flexed as his left remained poised slightly above grass. This could be the blow that ended it, depending on her next move she could surprise him and upset the balance of punishment by unleashing all the magic. Or, she could move ahead of him and strike him from behind -he'd be ready for either outcome.

[Shoi 173]

-She would surprise him, she did nothing he would expect. She drew her hand forth, no flames yet... She dance to the side, but reached out with her palm at his arm, her fingers bursting into flames as she did. [-2 mana] The blade would barely miss it's mark slicing clean through her robes side, and slicing her skin as she felt a sudden wind rush around then kicking up dust to blind the area around him.

If she would reach his arm, the flames would not harm him unless he bore a taint. The dust would settle to her merely standing close to him holding his arm if she had manage to. She allowed her magic to spread to her good arm just in case he was not finished with their practice fight. Her eyes piercing down at him like a scolding teacher.-

[--peerless42 59]

It had only been an expression pushed to his face. As he did not bear her any malice, but love instead the fire touched him and did nothing. Suffice to say, it seemed only fair to say the battle could be resolved by another manner. Looking at her with those fiery red eyes, his expression changed to that of a smile.

"I think we've both earned the title of equals here. You are a worthy opponent, my friend."

Sheathing his blade he bore no malice against her. What he did was incredible, standing against the legendary magic and surviving was no small feat. Others would not be so lucky against either of them, but in knowing he could fight the magic with his strength and wit alone -was a personal victory.

As such it was her victory for knowing she could believe in him even when his expression was bluffing -was her triumph.

[Knox213 10]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.