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Rules

Only two of 'em.
1. Follow ToS(Gaia's rules)
2. Semi-lit. rp. (No need for giant paragraphs, and mistakes are ok)

Character Sheet

Gaian: (username, for clarification)
Name:
Age: (be reasonable)
Race:
Gender:
Appearance: (pic,tektek,description)
Weapon(s): (max. 3)
Element(s): [max. 2 (be carful of opposites!)]
Abilities: (elemental and physical, no limit)

Biography: (details?)
Personality: (no one-worders)
Other: (anything missed?)

RPer's
b10n1cl3k1n6
ZeldacatVampire

Profiles

Gaian: Zeldacatvampire
Name: Mayloo
Age: 16
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Appearance:

Weapon(s): A pistol, short sword and whip
Element(s): Earth and Water
Abilities:
Earth:
~Summon the growth of vines, both thorny and not.
~Summon a wall of thick bark from the ground
Water:
~Create a stream of water mid air
~Create a suffocating cacoon of water around a victim
Biography: As a younger girl, Mayloo had always been kept inside the walls of her house to avoid any fights that went on outside. Everyday, there was always a traveler that stopped by to bring news, and everyday, he would give a hello to her and tell her of the wonders of magic. One day she even received a book and so, her elemental wielding began. Years went by and soon she was able to aquire weapons and skills, and so, even if the land was at peace, she still left to travel the land outside of the walls.
Personality: Timide occasionally and spunky other times. Some times even abit rude, but only in defense
Other: n/a

Gaian: Zeldacatvampire
Name: Sphinx
Age: Appears 16
Race: Elf
Gender: Female
Appearance:

Weapon(s): Darts, Bow and arrows, and a butterfly knife
Element(s): Shadows and earth
Abilities:
Shadow
*Uses the darts to gain her serpent like shadows access to a victim's body to manipulate them to do whatever.
*Sometimes uses illusions made of shadows to throw someone off as well.
Both
*Can fuse a tree with the dark and animate it to come to life out attack
Earth
*Rapid growth of poison ivy
*Also can create cages of roots to sprout from the ground.

Biography: Sphinx had grown to be just about like any other girl, the classes, the dolling up, occasional trips out to visit fields of flowers to sketch and be lectured about the weather and all...
That was the only thing she didn't mind much for nature always meshed with her well. Everyday, for class or not, she'd take a trip out to the trees and wildlife, to just sit and stare at the sky.
This had gone on for a few good years, till she went on her trip out, only to find the place burned and crushed to the ground by what looked to be some dark and sinister army. They proudly carried their heads while the other passerbys ran in fear. She admired them, in fact, she admired them so much, she somehow managed to get herself taken away by her choice.
They molded her by their wim which ment educating her with the art of shadows. Taking this into account with her love for nature no matter, she learned to fuse the two. They grew to like her knowledge and fast pick up, so they allowed her to be a more mobile unit. She was to take down anyone that dared threaten their intentions to take the land. At first, she begun with normal humans, no abilities what so ever, then a few decent swordsmen, and now working her way up to fellow elementalist. They had more to offer in defeat.

Personality: She can be manipulative of course, and pretty smooth under cover. Sphinx doesn't fall weak to just about everything, except fire but of course, she won't let it show. While under cover, she's bouncy and more out there. Her intentions are wicked or self satisfying.
Other: n/a

Gaian: b10n1cl3k1n6
Name: Vence Elserain
Age: 16
Race: Human
Gender: male
Appearance:

Weapon(s):
Ancestral sword- A sword passed down through his family for generations. made of strong material, and lightweight, it balances perfectly for Vence.
Vence also carries a few throwing knives, which he rarely ever uses, if at all.
Element(s): Fire, occasionally able to use Light. Is effected by Water, mainly, but because of his strength in his element, it is generally an even match.
Abilities:
FIRE
~ Flaming Hands: Vence's hands are covered in flames, which burn at the touch whatever he wishes. Selective pyromancy is a specialty for Vence.
~ Scorch: With a snap of his fingers or a wave of his hands, Vence can summon fire upon his enemies, without the risk of consuming time for his opponent(s) to flee.
~ Ring of Fire: Vence throws his fist into the ground, sending a three-sixty degree shockwave and flames.
~ Flaming Hail: Sends down a hail of fire from the sky upon his "target."
An uncommon attack for him to use.
~ Torch: A low-level simple move, throwing fire from his hands at his enemies.
~ Flamethrower: an intermediate-level move; A higher form of Torch whcih Vence sends a jet of fire from his hands.
~ Eruption: A high-level move; an advanced form of Flamethrower which sends a wall of fire at the enemy.
~ Wall of Fire: A defensive move, where a wall of fire prevents any flammable matter from passing thorugh.
~ Phoenix: Vence summons a mythical phoenix to his aid. The Phoenix is the creature that glorifies the element of fire.
~ Balefire: An elite-level move, Vence can gather life energy(his own and emmediate surroundings) to create a special flame. The blast that results is more powerful than several Eruption's, and can remove that which is destroyed even from the fabric of time.

LIGHT
~ Healing hands: a helpful ability that will heal minor wounds. Fatal wounds he can heal a little, but not effeciently.
~ Illusion: Vence bends light around him, either to hide himself or appear to be elsewhere.
~ Fracture: A higher form of Illusion, Vence can also create multiple images of himself for a time, added to Illusion's features.
~ Lightwave: A beam of light is shot from the palm of Vence's hand. This can be deadly to those who are weak against light.
~ Solar eclipse: a high level move; Vence gathers Light from his emmediate surroundings, concentrates the energy into a compact sphere, and throws it at the enemy. Contact with it makes the sphere implode, and massive amounts of light energy harm those in range.

Swordskills
~ Flash Step: self explanatory. Can move from one spot to another really fast, almost instantaneous. He isn't invisable, though; he can be seen as a blur, and if he attacks, it is possible to block or dodge.
~ Windmill Slash: When he jumps towards his opponent, he brings his blade down upon his foes thrice, his arm immitating the rotation of a windmill. The last strike, when he hits the ground, sends a small shockwave that knocks down anyone within a five yard radius.
~ Finishing Slash: Upon jumping into the air, he swings his sword leftward, rightward, then, upon landing on the ground, strikes the ground, once again producing a small shockwave.
~ Counter: When the enemy strikes, Vence holds his blade like a dagger, blocks the attack, and slides his blade forward to stab his opponent. A relatively simple move that takes almost no energy.
~ whirlwind Finsisher: Vence spins in a three-sixty degree circle, send oing out a shockwave. Those caught too close will be stunned for quite some time.

Biography: Vence was born into a poor family, who lived on a farm in a small village. For many of his first years of his life, he would be helping in any way he could around the house. When he and his family ever went to the village nearby, the first place he could be found was at the school, where he would sit in and try to learn what he could. Vence's family was too poor to afford an education. One teacher, an Elf by the name of Brahm, noticed this, and suggested to his family the possibility of tutoring Vence at home, free of charge. Always hoping that Vence would be able to succeed in life, they gladly accepted the offer.

So, at the age of six, Vence began his studies. Vence, much to everyone's surprise, was a fast learner, and within no time was able to speak, write, and read fluently. As he began to learn about history, math, and science, Brahm was litereally astounded with Vence's intellect. Vence was always asking questions, all of them leading even deeper into the subject. Brahm noticed Vence's fascination with science more than anything else, and at the age of nine, Brahm decided to teach Vence something different; not just knowledge.

With some discussion with Vence's parents, Vence was handed his first wooden sword at the age of nine. Brahm, not only being a teacher, was an expert swordsman as well, and so taught Vence how to use a sword. At the same time, yet secretly, Brahm introduced to Vence something entirely different. Brahm figured, because it was loosely tied to the sciences, that magic was something Vence would exell at as well. He was right.

Vence was found to be a highly gifted fighter; strong, fast on his feet, and quick thinking. Combined with his quick learning, Vence rarely made the same mistake more than a few times. What interested Brahm was how Vence acted on instinct, rather than actually learning. It was similar also with learning magic. Brahm intorduced him to a special branch of magic; elemental magic. Upon testing Vence to see which element he was suited best with, Vence was found to be best with fire, and had potential with light, as well. Thus, his training continued.

At the age of fourteen, Vence was known throughout as an experienced swordsman, but had taken an oath to Brahm to never reveal his powers as a fire elementalist, so the world did not know. Of course, not until another came into play; more dangerous and evil than ever seen. A dark air seemed to pervade the air, as news of a man with great power swept about.

On a cold November night, while snow fell, Vence was awakened by the sound of screams, and shouts, both of fear and anger...and, sickeningly, joy. Vence had went outside, sword in hand, to see what the danger was. What he saw would stay in his memory forever. Fellow villigers, many of whom he knew, either dead, or running every which way, screaming as men cloaked in shadows could be seen barely. Angered, Vence lashed out, not only using his blade, but for the first time, he used his magic. Anyone who stood in his way was cut down or burned away...until he met the ver man rumors spoke of. He found Brahm already locked in combat with him, and Vence, still angered, jumped into the fight, lashing out with everything he had.

The fight lasted much of the night, and amidst the chaos, Vence did not notice how, at some point, Brahm was stabbed in the leg, and recieved a deep gash into his shoulder. As the sun signified the dawn, the man sent Vence flying backward, and disapeared as shadows consumed him. Exhausted, Vence fell to the ground, unconcious...

It has been two years now. Vence has been wandering around for two years, sinse that day. His village was virtually left in ruins, with much of the population dead, including his parents and Brahm. With nothing left to stay for, Vence had left, gathering what he could; His father's sword, passed down through several generations; Brahm's armor, which he now bears; a necklace and ring, two heirlooms from his family, and a sheild he had found amongst other ruins. After some time, though, he lost the sheild.

Ever sinse leaving, Vence has been on many journies, endured many hardships, and has begun to discovor a part of his past he never knew about... A self that existed many, many years ago; that, in fact, he is a reincarnation of a person that literally saved the world.

Personality: Vence's character is much like you would find in any middle-aged teenager. Stubborn is the main word. try as you may, you cannot make Vence budge on his side of an argument, even if he knows he's wrong. That's the extent of it, though; if you try to pick a fight, Vence will back off. He's not one to fight, see. A pacifist, ironically, seeing as he's one of the best fighters you'll ever come across.

The the average person, Vence is a kind-hearted, respectable young man; he uses proper manners when required, respects people for who they are and their opnions...sometimes(remember, argumentative), and is trustworthy; refusing to cheat people or lie to them unless it is absolutely neccesary. For one with a moderate reputation, Vence does not let his head swell. His pride he makes sure does not get in the way of any decisions he makes.

Vence does his best to remain unbiased, and is careful with prejudice thoughts. One of a few reasons why he has many friends from many backgrounds. Vence is open in appearance, and will strike a conversation with anyone, if he's feeling bold enough. Vence can be shy, at times, as much as he likes talking. To his closest friends, Vence's true self can be seen. Vence is careful and calculating in choosing his friends, not wanting any bad influences in his or his friends lives. Vence is the type of person who can relate to anything, in one way or another; and if he can't, his imagination helps him to understand.

Underneath the mister-nice-guy(very deep within himself, locked away), there is a another facet of himself; a piece of him that is corrupt and evil. Though Vence does not truly hate anyone, there is only one person whom he does. And when he hates, he hates with an unending passion. After his years of travelling and encounters, Vence learned the name of the man who killed his family, his friends, and his teacher; destroying his village and his way of life. The man's name, he discovered, was Zevach Madyrdyli. This side only comes out when he comes face to face with the man. Then, his anger goes into high gear, and there's no telling what will hapen. One thing is for sure: when that happens, stay the hell away from him.

Other:
~ Vence's blade, known formally as "Phoenix," further enhances his elemental abilites.
~ There is yet more to his past that Vence does not like to share, for darkness still yet lingers in Vence's life.

Gaian: b10n1cl3k1n6
Name: Theil Relfos
Age: 18
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Appearance:
Weapon(s):
Longbow w/ arrows, made of the strongest wood for maximum durability and speed.
"Swordstaff:" a staff with a blade attatched the the shaft, great for long range thrusts like a spear and close combat.
Element(s): Earth
Abilities:

EARTH
~ Shift: An earth abilty to control the surrounding earth on a small scale.
~ Quake: A higher form of Shift, allows the user to create a small earthquake.
~ Shatter: A higher form of Quake, allows the user to completely rupture the surface and control at will.
~ Landslide: An ability that allows the user to "bend" the earth to his will, creating an earthen wave.
~ Catapult: Resulting from Shatter, The user gains the strength to physically control the resulting debree.
~ Sandstorm: Allows the user to control sand and dirt at will, useful both offensively and defensively.
~ Stone Armor: A defensive ability that allows the user to cover oneself in stone, and when supported by the user's resinance, will protect against physical and most magical attacks.
~ Fenrir: Theil summons the mythical Beast of Earth, Fenrir, and fights alongside to deal incredible damage.

Bowskills and swordskills

~ Triple-Shot: A bowskill where the weilder fires three shots, either at once OR successively.
~ Drawshot: A skill where one shot is fired to draw the enemy out, or to locate them, and a second shot is fired directed toward the enemy.
~ Polevault: A skill Theil uses, where he flips behind his enemy, using his swordstaff for support, and upon landing, spins in place in attempt to strike his opponent from behind.
~ Ricochet: A skill that is common with Theil, Where he grips his swordstaff in the center of the shaft, and attacks relentlessly by allowing the force of the blow, plus his own strength, to carry the weapon.

Biography: COMING SOON
Personality: COMING SOON
Other: COMING SOON

Gaian: b10n1l3k1n6
Name: Zevach Madyrdyli (last name, "love of shadows")
Age: over 500, exact age unknown
Race: Human
Gender: male
Appearance:
Weapon(s): COMING SOON
Element(s): Shadow/Death magic
Abilities: Zevach, having practiced the arts of dark magic for hundreds of years, has mastered several abilities.

SHADOW
~ Dark Hands: Zevach's hands are enveloped by shadow, causing physical harm on the body of his opponent. continuous exposure to it can cause the victim to be subverted by the dark magic.
~ Dark Blade: A more advanced for of Dark Hands, Zevach forms the shadows in his hands into a blade-shape, even taking a physical form.
~ Night Flight: when in the presence of shadows, Zevach can literally transport himself from shadow to shadow. Anywhere where there is shadow, even your own shadow, can be used. Dangerous to the unwary.
~ Zero Sheild: A sheild created out of shaows, cancels out any arttack done ot it, with few exceptions. Light and Fire seam to have an effect.
~ New Moon: An attack that sends a blast of dark energy at the user. This attack has a side effect: if it is deflected or defended against, the surrounding area is cloaked in shadows. Those who have survied say "it is like night with no moon," hence it's name.
~ Black Hole: A powerful attack, and an andvanced form of New moon, a wave of dark energy is set loose. Defensive action triggers a gravity fluctuation, bringing all matter towards a singular point. Those who are caught are never sen again. It is uncertain whether they die or are transported to another dimension.
~ Reaper's Touch: A deadly form of Dark Hands, if one is touched by the user, it spells almost certain death upon the victim. How long they last is determined by their magical energy and willpower. The longest one has lasted was 72 hours: only three days.
~ Death Summoning: Summon the undead, varying from the normal "zombies" and skeletons, to more fearsome creatures like Bone Nagas and Osyluths.
~ Lich Summoning: A higher form of Death Summoning, Zevach calls forth the most powerful on undead creatures, which are called Liches. Far more powerful and often cunning as well as insane, Liches are very powerful both physically, mentally, and magically.
~ Nitemare Summoning: The name says it all. Zevach summons a dark creature created from the darkness of people's hearts and their fears. It is called a Nitemare, and VERY few people have lived to tell of an encounter with one. (if details of this creature are of interest, send a PM)
~ Reaper's toll: Summoning death himself by giving up part of your soul, he will do what the user wills him to do, but only one task.

Swordskills
~ Flash Step: self explanatory. Can move from one spot to another really fast, almost instantaneous. He isn't invisable, though; he can be seen as a blur, and if he attacks, it is possible to block or dodge.
~ Windmill Slash: When he jumps towards his opponent, he brings his blade down upon his foes thrice, his arm immitating the rotation of a windmill. The last strike, when he hits the ground, sends a small shockwave that knocks down anyone within a five yard radius.
~ Finishing Slash: Upon jumping into the air, he swings his sword leftward, rightward, then, upon landing on the ground, strikes the ground, once again producing a small shockwave.
~ Counter: When the enemy strikes, Vence holds his blade like a dagger, blocks the attack, and slides his bladeforward to stab his opponent. A relatively simple move that takes almost no energy.
~ Whirlwind Finisher: Vence spins in a three-sixty degree circle, sending out a shockwave. Those caught too close will be stunned for quite some time.
~ Ultimatum: Zevach places his sword into the ground, which creates a barrier created from aura energy. Until agreements to surrender ar made, the barrier will continue to enclose the victim, untill crushed. Only an equally or more poweful arua field can break this ability.

Bio: When Zevach was growing up as a boy, he was not evil in the remotest sense of the word. In fact, it was said he was the nicest prwerson you would ever find. He made friends all through his young life; good friends, too, and not the misguided folks. He studied in school and excelled in his class as a role model. As a young man born with parents that both worked as farmers, he naturally has full of energy, and well built, making him appear to be the perfect guy for anyone. When he was in his late twenties, he married a girl named Sylvia; The two had known each other for some time, but because of her parent's household rules, she was not allowed to marry untill her parents saw her "at a fitting age." She was twentty-three, and Zevach twenty-nine.

It semed the two would live a happy life together, and indeed they would have, if not for a tragic event that occured. Zevach had left his wife and newly born son, promising to return withing the week, leaving to town to trade the grain he had grown that year. During his absence, a terrible storm tore through the land, destroying everything. Fearing of the worst, Zevach ignored the warnings of others and braved the storm, heading for home. He arrived too late. His house he and his fellow friends had built was levelled, and Sylvia and his son, Jack, were dead underneath the rubble.

And thus began Zevach's journey to darkness. Grieved beyond sanity, For weeks he lived alone. Either he would stare into space, or cry for hours at a time. At some point, no one knows when, Zevach somehow grasped the idea that he could somehow bring the two back to life. He began to study magic, and found himself looking more in depth to shadow elementalism, which had primarily to do with death and darkness. He found mentions of using the dead, controlling them, but it was written as a law of magic, that bringing the dead back to life was forbidden.

Undeterred by this, Zevach began to experiment, movign to a secluded place where no one would find him. The more he immursed himself in the dark arts, the more he was tainted by it. He soon fell away from his original goal, now intending to use this magic to gain power. At this point, he was growing older, and Zevch resorted to one of the blackest of magics. He summoned the figure of Death himself, and, in exchange for part of his soul, Death would grant him an extended life.

Over one-hundred years later, Zevach rose to power, using his black magic to summon an army of dark creatures, and faced the armies that opposed him with little fear and doubt. Battle after battle, he won, each he claimed in the name of revenge for what the world did to him.

All seemed to be his, when a young man rose to challange him. The two fought, Zevach with his black shadows, and the man, Arcturis by name, with the essence of fire. After many days of intense battle, Zevach finally fell. With his last "humn" breath, he cursed his killer, saying that as long as he lived on, so would Arcturis. And thus, unded the reign of Zevach...as it seemed.

Three-hundred years pass, and a dark air stirs in the world. Zevach has risen again, his soul remaining alive thanks to his selling of a piece of it. With that piece, he grew again, and now is a slave to the shadows, commanding the true essence of the dark power. But he knows, with Zevachs rise to power, so has anothoer risen. A descendent of Arcturis would face him, eventaully; this he knew. But this time, Zevach has promised himself, he would not fail again.

Personality: Since his fall into corruption, Zevach has retained only one part of himself. A well educated man, his knowlege and skill with words and planning are near unmatched. The rest of himself is burried away. Zevach's personality now is a cruel and cunning one. Desceptive in appearances and intentions, it's hard to tell he's really who he says he is, which he usually lies about. Underneath his disguise in public, he is a man to avoid at all costs. Very patient, but if tempted, will not hesitate to arrange something to his liking. Fuelled by his insanity, he loves the idea of a world subjected to chao, and finds thie view an ideal place to live. His goals partially portain to this fact, thoguh his true goals are unclear.

Other: COMING SOON

The night arir was moderately worm, and the breeze that swept by occasionally was cool. The city of Altyris, the capitol of Almanast, was for the most part, baren. A few people here and there, but other than that, there was nothing.

Where was everyone? Elsewhere would be a good answer, but it's not specific, is it? Alright then, for specific's sake, I will tell.

Tonight, on the fifth day of Geresmen, our fifth month of ten, a celebration is being held. It is a celebration of a retirement and the installment of a new king, held at the castle's festival courtyard. Everyone from here, in Altyrys, to those all the way in Dealteah, and south to Eathylmys, have been invited, and indeed, many have come.

The castle has been arranged and decoreated in such a way for everyone to see and tour, a rare thing for one of nobility in the highest sense to allow. All the courtyards are packed, the dining hall filled, and the fields were numerous contests are being held are polulated. Everyone is in merriment, as singing and dancing is performed everywhere, and the food is excellent, searved and made by only the best.


Among the thrall of activity, Vence finds himself enjoying himself as well, watching as two men dueled with swords for the crowd's enjoyment. He had been here all day, and was still finding things to do. In a few hours, the cerermony would be held. After many years of ruling, King Nyrasca was stepping down for retitrement. Much loved by all, King Nyrasca would certainly have a place in History, and would no dowbt be visited by hundreds everyday for the whim of seeing his face up close, and maybe speak with him.

His son, Prince Raelle, was taking the throne instead. Vence honestly wasn't sure what kind of ruler he'd be, but from rumors, he was supposed to be like his father.

Vence glanced up at the sky, watching as the two moons slowly came closer and closer together. Soon, they would align, and the peak of the Moon festival would be arrived. The royal family had set the ceremony to be tonight for this reason; the most recognized celebration, Vence would guess, and thus it would hold more significant.

Cheers erupted fro mthe crowd, and Vence lowered his head in time to see one of the fighters fall flat on his butt, which resulted in laughter as well. The other man, still standing, raised his hands in victory, a wide smile on his face. With good sportsmanship, he helped the other man up, and the two went on to talking. Apparently the two knew each other.

"And who will be our next pair?" A voice shouted over the rest by a man standing on a raised platform. Eager to be involved in sometihng, Vence Stepped over the roped off section, indicating his participation. The people behind him emmediately started cheering him on as another man stepped forward as well. Taller and larger than him, to any normal person it would look like vence was outmatched, But, when you were at a celebration like this, you never expected anything to be normal.

Take you're weapons in hand ad take your stance," the announcer man said, walking over and handing each his own wooden sword. They didn't want any limbs flying everywhere, did they now? Vence took the weapon, briefly getting the feel of it before positioning himself. Vence could feel his excitement rise, as he felt his heart start to race, and feeling his energy going into overdrive.

This is going to be fun.

"Are the contestants ready?!" The announcer asked, full of enthusiasm. The crowd died down a bit, but still oud enoguh to deafen Vence of any other noise. The large man merely nodded, While vence did a fancy twirl of his blade to do the talking, fo fear of his excitement making him sound rediculous.

"Then without further adeaeu, let the match...begin!"

Despite Vence's eagerness, He was not the first to react. His opponent before him charged ready to swing. Vence smiled, impressed his his power he could tell he possesed, but as for speed..

As the man swung his sword at Vence's head, he simply stepped lightly out of the way, thrwing the man off gaurd and off balance. The crowd applaused, but one man was haerd over the rest, calling him a wimp. Several hushes and angrey retorts followed suit, and the crowd continued to watch with eager expectations.

Now it was his turn to make his move. Vence leaped forward, intent on striking his opponent. The man's eyes widened, obviously taken aback by his speed. And brought his own sword up in defence. It only barely worked. When the two collided, Vence sent the man sprawling backward. Despirte his size, he packed a punch. The crowd liked the idea of him winning over the larger man. They cheered him on. With the little time he had, Vence scanned the crowd, politely smiling the whole time. While he was curious who was around, technically, it could also be considered an insult to his opponent, as if he already had won.

When his opponent regained his balance, there was a newfound passion in his eyes. He was angry, no doubt about that, and Vence was no fool; this man was now dangerous.

Calming himself, Vence took his stance, ready to take whatever the man had to give.

[cheating, now are we? whee And I was about to make it better, too. No worries...this makes it better than better. 3nodding ]

Vence Waited paiently for the man to come at him. This time, thoguh, nothing happened. The crowd became quieter, sensing the climate. Before, it had been like any competition; roudy, unorganized. Now, it was professional.

Vence took a single step forward, never changing his stance. The man did the same. Another step, and it was mimicked. They were both in hit range.

One more step," Vence said, taking it. The man copied, and they both attempted to strike the other. The two swords collided, and the force of the colliding blow threw both off balance. Vence had nearly regained his balance, hen he foot slipped

What the?! Crap! Vence took advantage of his mid-flip, and placed his free hand on the ground. With a hard-pressed shove, he forced himself into the air, and landed on his feet, placing one knee on the ground to reduce the landing force.

Rather than applause, a few impressed wows from the crowed ensued, before silence again. The two faced each other a second time, this time wasting no time in waiting. A few steps forward on both side, and blow oafter blow began to be exchanged, each attempting to hit his opponent with a counter. Counters were reflected back with each other's counters, and several times each of hthem would dodge an attack, hoping to land a blow with the extra time ot build up force. All to no avail. Than man had power and good defence, while Vence was fast, and power to match. It was even.

After a good five minutes, Vence backed off, ducking under a side swipe and jumping back as his opponents sword struck the ground where he had been standing seconds before. Both agreed, unspoken, for a quick break, each panting lightly, the fight getting to them.

Dang, this guy is tough. I can't get around him. I'm trying to be fair, too. I could beat him easily, but that would ruin it. I need to work on basics anyway...I shouldn't be this tired. Vence continued to run his own conversation, trying to find any weak points without showing off any real skill.

Ok, focus; remember what master Brahm told me....
"One's defence is often their weakness."
How do get around it without using any tricks?
"The purpose of a sheild is being unable to go around."
So, do I attack head on, or what?
"The greatest defence is easily ignored."
What's his greatest defence....he uses his sword, duh, but his style is too direct to counter simply...his greatest defence...I got it.

Vence smiled slightly, glad he could still remember his teacher's lessons during his training.

[dun dun duuuuunnnn xd ]

Vence picked his sword up again, once again swinging it in his hand, getting th balance. Something didn't feel quite right about it, thoguh. He took a closer look, but didn't notice much different...except for color. It looked a little off, but that may be because of previous use and growing old.

"Cheap swords," he muttered Taking a new stance. Now, this last move he made would be the end.

The match had unofficially been put on hold, and had unofficially started up again, as his opponent also stood up, finished with his short break. With no need for an anouncer, the twoo once again moved ofrward, each his his own intentions. The man was the first two swing, while Vence simply put the blade flat, his wrist underneath for support...

As soon as his opponents sword struck, Vence knew instantly the problem. He let his wrist twist downward, stepping aside fro mthe blow, and watching as the top layer of wood came scraping off.

No water? How the hell did that happen? before they were fine...someone's interfering.

It wasn't a question, but a statement. He knew. Someone was gettting involved. But, on the upside, now it was a challange.

The man also was confused, fleeing the edge that was now severely dented, ready to snap. The two looked at each other, and nodded. A silent agreememnt to end it quickly. Instantly, the two swung simultaneously, Vence sheliding his eyes with one hand. The two collided, and the blades shattered, splinters of wood flying, a few even penetrating the skin on his arm, drawing blood. Now was tim. Vence ignored the shots of pain in his arm, as he stepped forward, and with what was left of the wooden sword, gave a shapr whack to the man's neck, and dealt a blow to the head. The man stumbled to his knees, and managed to swipe Vence's shins before he could dodge, and he stumbled backwards. He refused to fall, however, and tossed the now scrap wood aside to help himself stand.

A few seconds of murmers from the crowd, and the Announcer stood up on the platform.

"I'm not really sure what happened just now...But we have a winner." The crowd once again ceased to be silent, cheers returning. The announcer bid the two over.

"Names?"

Vence," Vence said, before glancing at his opponent.

"Gregory."

"Good fight," Vence added, extending his hand. Gregory smiled, taking it and shook.

"Indeed. I never expected a kid to be that strong. Who taught you?

"A teacher of mine...he passed away some years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that. He must have been a great man."

Vence nodded, as the announcer stood once again on the platform.

"Our winner is this fine young man, who goes by the name of Vence-" The crowd erupted in cheers. A few minutes later, it started to die down again.

"-and the equally talanted Gregory. A close battle by these two, give them both a round of applause."

Once again, the crowd cheered, and Vence and Gregory shook hands one last time before parting. As Vence rumped back over the rope, the announcer once again asked for any other contestants. He wouldn't stay for any more fights, though. Not if any demon possessed wood was used for fighting.

Heh, cursed wood...kinda' rediculous sounding. he chuckled to himself, Glancing over the heads of people to see what other attraction might interest him.

[thanks for saving Vence the trouble. whee fangirls is one thing on his list to avoid.]

Oblivious to some attention he was getting, Vence made his way arond the crowd, stopping occasionally to see what was going on. All of it was well and good, but that last match had left him hurt. He looked down at his arm, still splintered. A few looks were given by people, and he really couldn't blame him. He stepped off the path for others to pass by, and leaned against a fence to start pulling out the splinters.

"Jeez, you'd think the wood would be decent quality," Vence said to himself. "It's the moon festivval, for gods' sakes."

Vence hardly glanced up when he heard someone speak to him, but he did smile at the sarcasm.

"Some match indeed. It's good to know I still have the basics," Vence replied, Picking out one particularly nast splinter. Bllod came up from the wound fairly quickly, and Vence pulled out a strip of cotton material, wraping it around his arm to coovor the wounds. He tucked the last of it in between the wrap, and flexed his arm, making sure it wasn't to tight. A twinge of pain, and nothing more. He nodded, satisfied, and for the first time looked to his speaker.

Young, like he was, and dressed up, like all the rest of the more well-to-do families. She seemed different though, like...it wasn't her style. He gavea friendly smile.

"Well, you probably already know my name, since it was announced and all...what's yours?" A simple, honest question to ask. If he was around this many people, it'd be nice to at least no more names than just the royal family; everyone knew who was who in that catergory.

[I'll be adding another charcter soon. I gotta figure out his personality xp ]