The Summoning (Challenge)

Kishin vs SearanoX

ooc: I know with the whole tourny things people are going to be busy, but I like your writing, and I'd like to partake in a fight with one of your characters. I of course shall use the one, and only Senju-nata.

ic:

Senju-nata a legend in his own right, a warrior whom has transcended the limits, and set the bar for others. His Katana floating at his hip along with the lives of 1000 others upon 1000 more. His clothes ragged, and aged over time. The hilt of his sword one ravishing and unique now reviled by the wheel of time.

His mail though still luster’s when the sun hits it rights. Truly this is Senju-nata. The Master Swordsman. He walked holding his arms in the cold. His cloak hung around him he wished he wore a thicker one, or perhaps another shirt. He held it with one hand trying to keep the wind from tearing it from his body. The other hand held around his hilt, for he knew he was near. In vain though for holding it with one hand was of no use. So he closed his mind to the outside world a thing a warrior can do. Where a warrior can embrace the tranquility. Sounds of echoing winds howled in his mind as if it were far away. The cold vanished from his body, and his arm dropped from his cloak. It shot back off of his back thrown into the mercy of the wind. Catching a limp it stayed, and Senju-nata drew his sword. The scratching of metal was the only noise he heard at the moment, followed by a repeat, but of a different alloy. His eyes shot open, and the shivering wind blew past him again, but his mind was closed to all but the sword, and the man he had locked swords with.

"Long I've sought you Senju-nata." Senju-nata smirked gently taking a step back, and brandishing a sword in such a fascinating manner that his opponent seemed to go into a trance. Senju-nata stepped in fast for only a second ago he was a mere two sword links away, and not within the time of the beat an eye takes to blink, he had stepped in, and his sword had Struck. Now he was two sword links to the other side of him.

A dozen cuts appeared all over his body, and cuts they remained.

"Your fast." He whispered, but his voice was veiled by the crisp wind. Senju smiled, and muttered the word Indeed before he turned holding the sword in front of him.

Jul ‘Kaed stood there. His opponent had sensed him almost immediately, which was surprising, to say the least. He felt wetness on his face, and reached up with his fingers to brush it off. He noticed it was blood. His own blood. Jul ‘Kaed smirked, and slowly licked the dark red liquid off of his fingertips. He loved the taste of it. It was more precious than water to him, and better tasting than any wine. He steered his cold, pupil-lacking eyes towards Senju-Nata, who was sanding calmly, the slight breeze causing his robe to float gently. Jul ‘Kaed’s long, silver hair, and dark cape were also dancing to the wind’s rhythm.

Jul ‘Kaed drew his long, twisted, demonic sword, which was composed of blackish-silver blade and crossguards built from a demon’s skull. It was a frightening weapon, and a dangerous one at that. It had cleaved many a foe in it’s centuries, and Jul ‘Kaed was certain it would do the same on this day of bloodshed. He pressed the blade to a bleeding cut on his forearm, and smeared the sword with his own blood. He looked up, and they began.

Swords locked, sending a shower of sparks outwards across the battlefield. They clashed, without gaining much ground on each other. It seemed to go on for hours, but after a few moments of heaving, Jul ‘Kaed had had enough of it. He sent his enemy reeling backwards with a kick, and Senju-Nata instantly switched to a defensive position. Jul ‘Kaed smirked. His foe may have speed, but Jul ‘Kaed had both strength and speed.

He charged at the enemy, and jumped up to attack. Senju easily dodged, and countered with a weak strike that deflected off of Jul ‘Kaed’s shoulder plate. He set his dark gaze on his foe, and ran at Senju, sending a quick series of attacks his way. They were either blocked or dodged, and as Jul ‘Kaed missed his last strike, Senju countered with a quick spin attack. Jul ‘Kaed tried to dodge, but was caught on the cheek by his enemy’s thin blade. He grunted, and stepped backwards. Their roles had switched: Jul ‘Kaed was now on the defensive with Senju-Nata quickly closing in.

ooc: Does this read easy enough? =P

He's strong and quite formable with a sword. Perhaps I should try harder. Senju-nata threw into consideration while he thought. Then he thought something about this person felt… awkward, but he shrugged it off as a new face, and his constant need to examine a person before anything. Already he had determined his strength, what he was holding back, how fast he was, and what style he was using before the battle had really begun. His sword though glamorous at first sight, was quite overused, and in Senju-nata’s mind quite worthless.

The howl of the frigid wind calmed for a moment, and the trees whispers seized. Senju rose into the air clashing swords with Jul ‘Kaed. The tings formed a rhythm of a beat a constant flow of motion till it was continuous. Jul ‘Kaed began to anticipate Senju-nata’s next move, and the blocks came faster, more instinctively. Jul ‘Kaed figured he was combating an amateur.

“Hmpf you over rated I see in your time a master was that of a bumbling fool!” Jul ‘Kaed blocked Senju’s next attack with such ease that Senju-nata was flung backwards by the force. Senju smirked, and stood upright.

“Quite frankly I don’t think you have the skill to beat me.” Senju spoke as he rushed in again. This time with the same strike that he began the rhythm with again, but this time the series was different, and Jul ‘Kaed was not prepared. The sword grazed passed his hip the Razor sharp blade cutting an inch within his hip. Senju-nata flipped up into the air, above, and then behind Jul ‘Kaed. Landing on the other side, he took off forward deeper in the winter wonderland of a forest.

Senju rolled behind a tree, which was soon torn asunder by an enraged Jul ‘Kaed his patience though normally thick was worn thin when he realized Senju thought of him as a game, and was toying with him. He wouldn’t stand to be toyed with he would prove his worth. His mind was exactly the way Senju wanted it. While Jul ‘Kaed thought desperately of a way to prove himself though against his nature to do so, Senju was preparing more mind entrapments, along with his next move. Senju-nata was two steps ahead of Jul ‘Kaed.

“Don’t hide from me Senju!” He yelled, spinning around blocking a strike from Senju. He anticipated it! Yes Senju must not think of him as an amateur now.

“Dear me you thought I was hiding didn’t you? I figured you could at least keep up with my movements.” Senju toyed with him, as he swung his sword with more force, his fist clenched tighter around the blade…. His knuckles were white, perfect.

Senju blocked, once, and then batted the sword with both hands his tight angry grip caused him to lose control of his sword, and nearly drop it as he juggled it between his hands before grasping it again. Once more Senju-nata made him look like a fool.

“GAH! I won’t allow you to toy with my mind!” He yelled he was a bright one, but still a step behind Senju.
“Hmpf this is a battle boy I don’t have time to toy with you.” Senju denied it, and came in with a thrust. Attempting to stab him, but his sword was blocked with a swooping motion. Jul ‘Kaed tried to hold Senju’s sword down with his weight, but Senju didn’t even pull instead he went with Jul ‘Kaed, and easily escaped his attempted lock.

“Traditionally you only lock swords on the first strike to know your opponents limits there fore you strike with all your might. After that attempted sword locks are for cowards, but I doubt you practice sword arts the way I used too.” Senju spoke locking a gaze with Jul ‘Kaed his eyebrows furrowed expanded. It was evident he was quite mad at Senju-nata.

OoC: Yes, that’s easier now. Thanks.

IC: Jul ‘Kaed was infuriated. His foe saw this battle of life and death as a meager game. Jul’ Kaed was the mouse, and Senju-Nata was the cat, toying with him before gobbling him up without a second thought. Jul ‘Kaed had never facing such a mocking or quick opponent before, and the combination of those two qualities in one man was frustrating. The fight was like trying to swat a fly: whenever Jul ‘Kaed thought he had Senju, he dodged out of the way, and buzzed around him, causing him to become even more angry. His Master’s voice reverberated in his cranium, screaming at him to stop blundering around and fight. Yes, it seemed a change of strategy was in order.

Jul ‘Kaed managed to dodge an attack, and called upon his Master’s powers. He chanted in a demonic tongue, with unrecognizable words that were nearly impossible to pronounce with mere human chords. He kept on parrying his foe’s quick strikes, and he began to see a pattern emerge from the chaotic swinging of blades. He stuck to a few different rhythms, switching them up every now and then. Jul ‘Kaed smirked. Perhaps this wouldn’t be as difficult as he had though.

As Senju moved in for another attack, Jul ‘Kaed identified the pattern, and dodged accordingly, and when he saw an opening, he struck. His foe was so full of himself that he didn’t even realize that the blade was coming, and was stabbed on the side of his chest. He cried out in surprise, and Jul ‘Kaed yanked the sword free, kicking his enemy back with one foot. He landed on his back, clutching his abdomen, and twitching slightly. A small puddle of red, sticky blood pooled underneath him. All the while, Jul ‘Kaed had been chanting softly, concocting a demonic charm of some sort. Senju only now realized this, and noted that perhaps his foe was not as strong as he had first though.

"I am so used to being better then my opponent I often underestimate their abilities. Though one can really never expect the unexpected now can they." Senju smiled standing upright. His armor had taken a heavy blow, and the sword cut right into it. Though without it he would have been dead. It was not like Senju to make such a fatal Mistake, but then again he did not expect such a change in the pace of the fight, at least not so quickly. At this rate the true battle hadn’t even really begun at all. They were still holding back far too much.

“No one cannot expect the unexpected.” He said his voice had returned to its level of usual calmness. Senju-nata coughed he was not used to being wounded so quickly in a battle, normally he was so quick that the other swordsman would be dead before he knew it. In the Case of Jul ‘Kaed whom Senju-nata has determined to be not of this earth, that was not the case. He was quick enough to not only block Senju-nata’s attacks, but Counter them too. A sure sign he was holding back waiting for me to unleash my powers first. A warrior like Senju-nata will not give in to making that mistake first, that is how battles are lost. Instead he let his wound lay as it was, not bothering to do any sort of healing instead walking with the pain as a Man would. A red badge of courage, a testament to his will, and mentality as a fighter.

Senju-nata dragged the sword across the air till it was in a firm grip in his right hand, extending far out from his body. Crouched down to the ground he decided to do a low-level skill, and see how he responded. He did notice the chanting, and how his eyes darted faster, possibly slowing down his reality to quicken his reaction time. Senju-nata was quiet capable of a similar technique, but would not use a masters skill so soon. Kneeling to his knees breached the white substance, and his knees became dampish with the melted snow. He leapt into the air Above the treetops. Coming Down his hit the blade against the earth causing a strange sort of reaction. First Jul ‘Kaed was pelted with a wave of rather large rocks. He blocked many of them, but after the first one knocked the wind out of him, he was only but prey to the others. It was a nascence, but the result was quite troublesome. Some of his ribs were broken, and his left arm felt useless, was it broken, or did the blow give him a charley horse of sorts.

Jul ‘Kaed stood silently. His left arm was broken, which was fortunate. It could have been his good arm. A few ribs were also cracked. The pain would have brought any mere man to his knees, but Jul ‘Kaed had an undeniable talent for ignoring pain. His Master scolded him for being so foolish. Jul ‘Kaed should have seen that coming. He continued to stand there chanting for a few moments, when Senju spoke.

“You do realize that I know what you’re doing. You’re chanting to heighten your reflexes. That’s the only way you could have dodged my earlier attacks. It’s rather pitiful that you have to rely on such tactics to defeat me. After all, I don’t use them.”

“Yes…” Jul ‘Kaed replied. “It seems you’ve found me out. Unfortunately for you…” Jul ‘Kaed raised his right hand, which was now glowing black, sucking the scant moonlight out from the very air around him. “…I don’t play by the book!”

He yelled, and charged at Senju so quickly that it gave the warrior no time to react. Jul ‘Kaed slammed his dark fist into his foe’s gut, and sent him flying. Jul ‘Kaed chased after him. Senju landed, and screamed. He clutched at his gut, which was now horrifically rotting away. A hole had formed in his chest, and it was slowly expanding. Jul ‘Kaed smirked.

“Chanting to enhance my reflexes? Fool. I merely detected a pattern in your attacks, and dodged accordingly. All the time I was speaking, I was building up my strength to attack you. As you can see, the results are…rather unpleasant, and it only gets worse. Your skin will rot…forever, until only your cold, brittle bones remain!”

Senju grunted in agony, and looked down. Indeed, the hole had grown wider over the past few minutes.

Jul ‘Kaed’s mouth dropped as a feeling of shock came over his body. Senju-nata’s wound had all, but vanished. The gapping hole returned to original state of being.

“How!” Jul ‘Kaed whispered how did that swordsman undo that! Victory was surely mine he thought.

“How you ask quite simple ever spell has a counter spell.” Senju-nata spun the blade in between his fingers locking it in front of him. Then he brandished it in a way like he did before leaving Jul ‘Kaed in a dazed like sword, it looked like a dozen swords where held in Senju-nata’s hand at one time, it was… hypnotic. Jul ‘Kaed’s mind swayed with the blade, and his guard dropped like before, and Senju-nata moved to fast for him to even notice. This time though Senju-nata did not toy with him with meager cuts, instead he left a series of flowing wounds. Blood poured freely from his body in several places. Some of his garments fell from his body against the ground. Senju-nata stood upright, and spoke as he sheathed his blade, at the same moment when Jul ‘Kaed dropped his.

“‘Tis a shame you don’t fight by how you say the rules, for I knew not of these rules. I to fight the way I choose too. Perhaps it is time I show you WHY I labeled a Master Swordsman.” Senju-nata’s knees bent as he took a wide stance. His sheathe began to omit a odd blue light. It was radiating with Senju-nata’s energy.

“You have your special skills like I.” Jul ‘Kaed was still trying to recuperate from that last attack though good at ignoring pain, wounds like these were not so simple to forget. Senju-nata closed his eyes, and warped his mind to a serene state. His swords was slowly draw by the hilt, and curved outward. Glowing with that queer aura. Senju-nata opened his eyes, but now Jul ‘Kaed had plenty of time to recuperate, and had grasped his sword.

“ENOUGH TALK!” He shouted coming down on the clam Senju-nata with his blade prompt to finish him off, but before he knew it Senju-nata was gone. His body vanished, and appeared in the air above the already floating Jul ‘Kaed. The blade came down on his right arm through the shoulder, and down to his wrist. The energy swarmed through his veins, and as quickly as the wound was made it was gone. Senju-nata turned the blade, landing in a traditional stance, as Jul ‘Kaed stood shaking landing at the same moment he had, but instead Jul ‘Kaed fell on his face.

“What… what have you done to me.” His arm boiled on the inside. A mystic pain as if a fire was created inside his very arm.

“A mid-class move, called the Shen’taga. Your arm functions normally, but you will find when you move it an ungodly pain will come over your arm, when it is still you shall feel nothing.” Senju-nata stood upright, and gazed at Jul ‘Kaed his left arm was useless, obviously broken, as Senju-nata thought to be, and he right was paralyzed with that pain not of this world.

Senju-nata sheathed his blade once more, and turned to Jul ‘Kaed. His face was calm, non-existent of expression just a plaster callous look.

“You **************!” Jul ‘Kaed muttered keeping his arm still as possible.

“What do you not know how to undo the technique? I guess its not used in your time. Yes its quite easy to undo, I myself have fallen prey to it.”

“Was it the Shen’taga that made you move so fast.”

“No I must deny that, that was your own weakness.”

“Why you.” Jul ‘Kaed reached out to his blade stuck in the ground, but pulled his arm back towards him letting out a scream.

“Damn you.” He muttered again, Senju-nata smiled.

“If you cannot figure out the cure, I tell you it does wear off in time.” Senju-nata folded his arms the clouds began to slightly part bringing forth some warmth. Senju-nata looked up into the sun, and then realized he was facing the sun… A fatal mistake he does not normally make, hopefully Jul ‘Kaed will not realize he advantage in the situation, though even if he did he would still have to find a way to make use of that arm.

Jul ‘Kaed tried to move his arm, but when he did, a burning pain shot up his arm. He clenched his teeth, and quickly stopped moving his limp. The arm was no good as it was. He tried to move his other, when he realized it was broken, and was relatively useless. Curses. This was a bad situation. Jul ‘Kaed may have to resort to rebirthing, but that could waste him valuable time, time he didn’t have. He would have to find a way to incapacitate his opponent somehow. His Master replied, giving him the answer: the same spell he had used on Mirren in his first encounter with the boy.

Jul ‘Kaed grinned. It was perfect. His Master’s guidance came to him, and he began to chant his spell once more. He spoke the same demonic words over and over, until they formed an incoherent murmur. Senju stood mute, regarding his foe. Clearly, he knew something was afoot, but he couldn’t determine exactly what it was. Jul ‘Kaed continued his chant, until his spell was finished. He halted his murmur abruptly, and looked up to see Senju sword a hair’s width from his neck. He eyed Jul ‘Kaed warily, his black hair dancing melodically with the breeze, with Jul ‘Kaed’s long, silver locks matching it’s step. Senju-Nata spoke then, his voice somewhat quivering.

“Demon, what do you think you’re doing? You should realize by now that your defeat is ensured. Why not give up your arcane charms and let me kill you. I shall promise you a clean death.”

“Demon?” Jul’ Kaed asked, raising a grey eyebrow. “Demon? Your first mistake: affiliating me with demonkind. I thought that you were smarter than that, my samurai friend. I am far greater than any demon. As for your second mistake…” Jul ‘Kaed paused, as if searching for the right words. “…I cannot be killed.”

Senju stood firm, completely unhindered by Jul ‘Kaed’s remark. Slowly, a wry smile formed on his lips. His smile turned to a laugh. He chuckled, tears coming to his eyes. “Cannot be killed? You juggler! That’s the funniest excuse for me sparing somebody that my ears have ever met! Even I couldn’t think of something so pathetic.”

Jul ‘Kaed was silent, with not even a hint of mirth on his face. “Hmph. Believe what you will, samurai. Your flawed knowledge will be the death of you.”

With that, Jul ‘Kaed slammed his fist into Senju’s gut. His eyes widened, and he let out a silent cry. He slowly fell to his knees, set his sword down, and closed his eyes. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and Jul ‘Kaed knew that he was trying to resist. Ultimately, however, he would fail miserably. His free will was as good for anything as a bucket of vomit. Senju’s eyes burst open. He slowly opened his mouth, and monotonous words came forth.

“My will is no longer my own. I only serve The Master now.”

Excellent, though Jul ‘Kaed. This would buy him some time. He began his rebirthing process, knitting his flesh back together the way it had been before the battle. Senju sat there, unmoving, at the command of The Master. Although The Master could easily cause Senju to impale himself on his own blade, Jul ‘Kaed knew that it would be unfair. His Master wanted a greater test than this for Jul ‘Kaed. This feared warrior would fall to Jul ‘Kaed, not his Master.

As the rebirthing completed after a period of time, Jul ‘Kaed moved his arm, only to notice that the pain had not left. He would have to keep the one arm still, or the pain could bring him to his knees.

"hmpf.. your master had a strong will yet I fair I was trained to long, and to hard to be currpted so easily." Senju-nata lowered his blade void of the trance. Indeed it had taken its hold upon him, and quiet frankly Senju-nata was not prepared for a mind entrapment chant of some sort. Whipping his hair off to the side he set his eyes upong Jul ‘Kaed whom seemed to going through some sort of healing process. Senju-nata placed his hand over his mouth letting out a slight yawn.

"I do suppose the Move is wearing off the pain somewhat receding." Senju-nata moved the blade infront of him staring at Jul ‘Kaed, with a slight grin on his face.

"What do you have to smile about."
"Your scared enough of me to do what ever it takes to heal yourself... I wonder if you will run from this fight as well. Though your feet stand, your mind runs in fear franticly finding a way to defeat me... I suppose you have yet to find your true potential? I too walked that path confused, uncertain, unconfident, as well as a slight over confidence. It was a long journey, but it led to a quick enlightenment. When will you make that journey?" Senju-nata asked still holding the blade battle ready.

"Is that some sort of mind game, or do you know your beat now that I'm healed?"

"No it was a question do you intend to answer it or shall you dodge it with another question."

"Heh you don't know what your talking about. Just a deluted man having his crises." Senju-nata shock his head.

"Nay I have lived for what I have desired to be. I ask the bird on my shoulder everyday, Am I the Person I want to be, Am I with peace with myself, Am I doing something for my community. Then when the bird nods to each of my questions, I know that death is coming, and I will be ready for it."

"What the hell are you talking about."
"Oh its just a saying, you know the little bird, heh not your time either I suppose?"

"Suppose not, but at least I know your ready to die, for you surely shall." Senju-nata nodded.

"Perhaps, yet there is only one way to find out. Senju-nata locked the sword over his shoulder pointing at Jul ‘Kaed. Closing his eyes for a moment his exhaled gently, almost meditative for a second.

Then he spoke agian. "You know its been a long time since I've had a decent fight, the last one I fought was a self proclaimed immortal himself. Do you know even our gods can die? Even as a star is born, and lasts for a million years it to one day fades away into nothingness... I do not remember thinking of you as an actual demon, but If you are, I can show no mercy for you, you do not belong here. If I am mistaken, and you are just a fool then I suggest we countinue our duel." Senju-nata slowly slid his feet into a wider stance, taking a good defensive postion. His posture was perfect obviously practiced time and time agian till it was so extravegant.

"Enough talk." Jul ‘Kaed said once more, this wasn't the first time Jul ‘Kaed had said this during the duration of the fight, but Senju-nata was insisting on idel chitchat which in the end had no purpose.

ooc: Come on this fight is alsome! One of my top 10 thus far.

OoC: Sorry, the fight kind of just…disappeared, or something. Anyways, I have to go now, but I’ll reply as soon as I get back. Hey, and don't you know that doublt-posting is against the Rules? :p