"Three."

Taen's eyes followed Tsuukai as he strolled to the edge of the platform. The elf glanced back at his opponent, the young pretty boy with the nice hair and cool goggles. Taen thought of reasons to hate him in order to get himself fired up for the fight.

"Two."

Two swords emerged from the chains on the boy's wrists. How appropriate. I've got two as well/ He patted his swords tied around the rope dangling from his belt.

"One."

Taen pulled out his swords, sliding them across each other once, the sound they made sending a chill down the summoner's spine.

"Go!"

A rush of thoughts and emotions fired through his head. Images of the Vatican and of Kariette flashed through his mind, giving him feelings of retribution and love. Of wanting revenge and wanting to protect. He was ready. Dante flew at him, swords raised, and Taen blocked them. He felt a jolt as their weapons collided, and he rotated both blades upward, throwing Dante's arms to the side, and struck at the mage.

The boy stepped back, and sliced at Taen with one of his blades. Right on right, left on left. Two swords fighting in perfect sequence. The clanging of metal and flying of sparks lasted only a couple seconds before Taen tried a different approach. The elf slid his foot beneath his opponent and tried to trip him. Such a dirty move was countered by Dante grabbing Taen's foot with his own and throwing his across the stage. The elf gasped, and felt his skin sliding against the hot metal. He saw the edge coming in fast, and pointed his swords at the floor to stop the momentum. He stood up just inches from the edge, and knew this warrior was no one to be trifled with...