Tainted Crystal and Drenched Cloth (Power Shot)

Rain crashed against the ground of the valley. It hit with such destructive force that it could have killed any weak life form, but the ground itself seemed to embrace the liquid as it pounded against it. The mountains, standing tall and menacing, overlooked the great rolling fields and valley. Far off into the gloomy distance was the thick mesh of forest, it’s green barely visible through the onslaught of water.

There was a loud thud that echoed forcefully through the tall grass of the grasslands. The loud rumbling originated from a great of deal energy being dispersed towards the ground. The lone figure standing tall in the rain had brutally slammed the ground. The rain was soaking his black, shoulder-length hair. He looked up through the downpour, hoping with all of his heart to see some sign of reaction.

When no such sign was given, the man, who’s skin was an odd color - white, to be exact - jumped. It was an incredible jump. He propelled upwards through the rain with such surprising lift that he could have kept going forever. His grey vest, which revealed parts of his hard, white chest and arms, was drenched from the rain. His black pants were also soaked, but he took no notice.

As his altitude rivaled that of the mountains of which he was intently searching, he suddenly slowed. One would expect that he would have begun to fall, but gravity did not work it’s magic, and the figure remained, suspended in the air, as if by some unseen force. He scanned quickly through the surrounding area, all the while his face kept it’s blank expression. It was easy to tell that this figure was searching for something, but whether or not it was something in particular seemed an elusive realization.

The gray, clouded sky held onto the young man for several seconds before letting him descend slowly. He continued to drift downwards with the aid of his telekinesis for some time. As the grass beneath him approached, a bolt of lighting flashed behind him. His black shoes landed on grass with a light crinkling sounds. The man looked at his black gloves on his hands. They were made of black leather and had no material over the fingers.

The man gathered all of his force, and with a chest full of breath, yelled blindly towards the mountains, “Let me go!” The powerful force of his commanding voice had no effect whatsoever, and the area remained the same. “I have to get back. Let me go!” But again, there was nothing to show for his pleas. He sighed deeply and looked around.

Far, far away into the distance there stood a large oak door. It was near the entrance to the forest, and was standing on it’s own. It looked as if it had been torn from a wall and deserted where it stood. The white skinned man looked at it and shook his head in disappointment. He started walking towards the door. It was miles off into the horizon, but relatively flat land made it easy to see.

The man finally decided that his trip was taking too long, and he pushed himself forwards and kicked off of the ground. With a little bit of psychic energy he was soaring only feet above the ground at an amazing speed. Every so often he would fall back to the ground and kick off of the green, but he always managed to keep a constant speed.

In a matter of minutes the man was at the lone door. He took one last look over his shoulder at the mountain range, and with another sigh grasped the door handle. It was made of what seemed to be gold, but it didn’t surprise the figure at all. He swung it open and walked into the glistening hallway.

As the door shut behind him it disappeared from sight, as if it had become invisible. This new hallway was most exquisite. The floor was made of some sort of polished, green stone. The middle of the floor was covered with a red carpet which stretched on for what could have easily been miles to both left and right. The walls were beige in color and had beautiful, diamond covered torches lighting the way.

The man looked around. The Dome was a mysterious place. It changed it form constantly, but made it easy for it’s inhabitants to find their destinations. Sometimes it’s halls would appears as actual hallways, and sometimes they became less like hallways. The actual rooms in the Dome took on much more varied appearances. Some could contain mountains, oceans, and even universes, in what is actually only one room. Yes, the Dome is indeed odd, but with it’s sheer brilliance, it becomes something spectacular: the best ever possible host.

“Nothing. I really thought I had something this time.” The man shifted around a little bit. He tried to admire the Dome’s elegance, but found that his recent disappointment was too overpowering. He had really hoped that he might have found a way out in that room. “Face it, Karaza, the Dome just doesn’t want you to leave yet.” He spoke aloud to himself.

Karaza starting walking down the hallway. Despite not having found a way out, he still had faith that he could defy his host’s will and make an escape. For several months he had been in the Dome. He had learned much of it’s ways, and had even learned how to communicate with it. It was an odd bond, but the Dome had almost always given him what he had asked, but ever since his teacher, Kyrias, had left, it had been failing to cooperate perfectly.

As Karaza strolled gently down the long hallways, a group of three girls passed by him, going in the other direction. One had long blond hair, and was taller than the other two. The other girls both had brown hair, and they both were talking with each other. The blond tapped one of them on the shoulder and they all stared at Karaza.

Karaza had earned a reputation for himself inside the Dome. Of it’s thousands of students he had been one of Kyrias’s few graduates, and he had even returned to continue his training. He had also trained temporarily with Aurora the Ominae, another renowned teacher of the Dome. He didn’t much care about what others thought, but he knew that many were scared of him.

He raised a hand and smiled at the group of girls. They all lowered their heads, and had obviously thought Karaza hadn’t noticed their gossiping and giggling. He smiled as they all scurried down the hall. He was now in somewhat better cheer than he had been, but he still needed to find a way out of the Dome.

Khana was somewhere waiting for him. He had left her months ago. They had been fighting at the time, and he felt badly about it. Perhaps she was still mad after months of being alone. Perhaps for her it had been less that several months. Perhaps it had been more. Karaza could not even begin to pretend to fully understand the Dome, but he understood Khana pretty well, and understood that his leaving her alone was killing him inside.

As he approached the door to his own chambers - he didn’t actually know how he could instantly identify them as his own - he prepared to rest. He had been getting quite a bit of rest lately. When Kyrias had been around he had constantly been engulfed in his lessons and tests, but now that he was without a teacher (as well as without an exit) he had been getting lots of rest.

The large, wooden door creaked in a high pitched manner as he pushed it open. His room was rather tiny. Just barely large enough for five people to mingle in. It had his bed with a checkered bedspread, his bedside desk, and a dresser where he put some of his extra clothes and possessions.

Karaza was surprised to see a young boy sitting on his untidy bed. He had seen the child before. He had short brown hair and a frightened grin on his face, the kind that belongs to a person that enjoys being frightened. And he was obviously scared of Karaza, for as he entered the boy jumped off of the bed as if he had broken a law and thought thay maybe he had not been seen.

He raised out an envelope in Karaza’s direction. Karaza smiled faintly and accepted the paper. The boy bowed slightly and ran towards the door, which he struggled to open due to it’s immense weight. Karaza was too busy reading his letter to notice his friends clumsiness, though.

Karaza,

It has come to my attention that you are currently trying to find a way out of the Dome. I realize why you are so eager, but with regret I cannot let you depart. You do not recognize me, but I beg you to trust the words that follow, else grave events befall us all.

First of all, you must realize that Khana has not gone as long without you as you have her. During your time here, we have been moving more quickly than the world you come from. Khana misses you, on that you may rest assured, but she has not gone a desperately large amount of time without you.

Next, understand that the Dome never does anything without reasoning. Sometimes it is good, and sometimes otherwise, but it always has it’s reasons. If you try to defy it’s will, and manage to leave it’s walls, you will not take part in an epic battle. This is perhaps what you deisre, but despite what you want, this course of events requires you to be present in order for it to end correctly.

Leave, and I fear disaster will soon follow, and so I plead with you to not leave. If you wish to continue trying, I can guarantee you that you will be unsuccessful, but with your attention divided as so, the earlier mentioned events will bring misfortune.

With concern, your friend.

Karaza turned around and dashed to his bedroom door. He entered the hallway and look around. Everything appeared the same, but to his despair the young boy was already out of sight. He would have liked to ask who had sent the letter, but had a hunch that they boy knew little more than he did. He sighed and turned around, prepared to jump face first into his bed. It was late, and even though he wasn’t all that tired, he was indeed ready for sleep.

~~~

Karaza’s left cheek was gently caressed by a warm, soft hand. His eyes fluttered open. He was sitting in what seemed to be a meadow. He was laying on a mixture of dirt, moss, and grass. To his left there was a clear, sparkling pond of water. This tiny haven was surrounded by tall, powerful trees. The sky was a bright blue and held onto little clouds. The sun was shining into Karaza’s eyes and so he shielded them with his arm.

“Thank goodness, Karaza, you’re awake.” He turned to see Khana sitting over him. The sun shone beautifully on her white skin. She was wearing a thick, blue sweater and a pair of jeans. She was smiling and had some damp leaves in her hand. “You don’t remember, do you?” she judge correctly from the confused look on Karaza’s face. “You’ve been unconscious for days. I’ve been feeding you berries and tending to your fever.”

Karaza wondered what was happening. He knew that something was wrong, but as he tried to remember what he found that his memory faded. The last thing he remembered was fighting some sort shadow creature in the woods. They had been attacked and he had been hit in the head. And then there was black. He shook his head and looked back at Khana, because it quelled the pain.

“No, don’t stand.” Khana ordered as he tried to get to his feet. She was sitting on her folded legs and still trying to get the soggy leaves on his forehead. He turned her hand away and tried again to stand. “My lord, how you are stubborn. You’ve got a high fever. If you exhaust yourself now then you’ll be back out for another couple of days.”

Karaza tried to speak, and found that his voice was quite raspy. “I’m sorry.” he apologized. Khana told him that it was fine. “And thank you, Khana. It really means a lot to me to have such a wonderful friend.” Khana blushed somewhat, happy that her care had been appreciated. “I’ve really missed you.” he said randomly.

“What’s that?” Khana asked as she dipped another, large leaf into a pale of water. Karaza repeated what he had said and Khana again tried to cool his forehead. Again he refused. “What are you going on about, Karaza? You’ve been unconscious most of the time, how could you have missed me?”

What he had said puzzled Karaza as much as it had Khana, but he had felt compelled to say it. He thought for another second. “I’m not really sure, but I know I did. I’ve been missing you for a while now, I can tell. It’s odd, really. I suppose-” Karaza stopped abruptly. He was getting dizzy. He let his head drop back down to the deposit of leaves that Khana had used as a pillow for him, and contrary to what he had expected, Khana didn’t even notice. It was like he ceased to exist.

~~~

Karaza gasped and flew forward. He was sitting on his bed inside his room. He had sweat pouring down his face and he found it hard to breath. He was sore all over, as if he had been continually writing in pain in his sleep.

He could vaguely remember the dream. The most prominent memory was easily that of Khana. Her face; her voice; her presence all lingered on his mind. This had been the first time he had ever had that dream, and he hoped he would never again. Being with Khana in a dream was like a reminder that he was without her in reality.

He looked around the dark room. He could see the outline of so many different things. Old, unworn clothes lying on the floor, open books, medicinal herbs, and a few other things that he had used for his training. He slowly got out of bed and threw on his black pair of pants. He reached for his black t-shirt but then realized that it was dirty, and decided to settle with only his gray bubble vest.

It took him a little while of dazed consciousness to realize what was missing. He finally figured it out as he scratched his neck. The fact that his most important possession was missing hit him with such surprising shock that he gagged. He looked around the room vigorously, knowing in his mind that he would not find it, for it would not disappear only to be found in his room.

After a few minutes he ran to the door. He had trouble opening it, and that meant that it had been a while since he had lost his silver chain. His power was already sealing itself within his core, and even a normally minor task seemed huge. He did, however, manage to push the old oak door open.

The hallway, which now looked like a medieval castle, was dim, and this told him that it was still early. The light of fiery torches flickered on the stony of the walls, and illuminated webs and dust. Karaza glanced around. He could see no sign of life, and his ears were already incredibly weak. He could not hear anything much further than twenty feet away.

The Dome, however, seemed to be in a most helpful mood, for it urged him right. The Dome knew how badly he needed his chain, and it would not let him weaken to the point where he could easily be killed. It obviously needed him for something, and so he knew that going right was his best choice.

As he ran rather slowly through the hallways, the Dome continued to guide him. Each time he had to choose a path he instantly knew which was his best choice. The winding path dizzied him, and it was getting harder and harder to maintain a constant speed. Rather soon, though, he came to a large door, not much unlike that of his own chambers.

He was incredibly relieved to see that his silver chain was resting on the golden door handle. He grabbed it with all the speed he could muster and rapped it around his neck. He felt his strength come gushing back to him. He no longer felt as if he could collapse at any moment, and he felt fully recharged.

He looked at the large door and realized that he would have to enter. Whoever was inside must have been the one who had stolen his chain, or at least his best chance of finding them. He put his hand on the doorknob and prepared to enter, not knowing what he would encounter once inside.

OoC- I really hope that's okay. I figure that you can introduce Kenjin yourself. Now, in order to get a fight going, I believe it would be best if Karaza gets angry with Kenjin because he believes he stole his chain. But remember, Karaza doesn't anger easily, and when he does, he doesn't really show it by going crazy. He usually stays in control.

Oh, and I updated Karaza's profile a while ago, so it might help you to skim through it. You can find the thread in Character approval (second page, I believe), or you may check the link in my sig.

Kenjin was silent, as he sat deep in meditation.

The Encorna's sword, Thenatos, was sitting close to him. His body rippled with muscle, it would seem to the outside that Kenjin would easily be able to grasp the sword in his arm. But that was not the case, as anyone that knew the Encorna's sword could tell. Thenatos, a special blade made of negative crystal, was a powerful blade to only the Encorna, who had created it for himself to use.

The only other who held a sword made of the crystal was Tuariv Knil, and even then, the lizard was probably unsure of the power that Kenjin had given him. The negative energy that made the crystal was unstable in its current form. The black ball of energy on its hilt still glowed in defiance of Kenjin's power. In a way, the crystal weapons Kenjin could create with his crystal were the most powerful forces in the universe, able to increase the power of a warrior if fully mastered.

Kenjin, however, was deep in concentration. The Encorna's black eyes were closed, his shadowy black hair almost waving like darkness, unceasing. But the Encorna liked his appearence, the mortal guise that was his body was a gift from his teacher.

I will find you Aurora, Kenjin thought silently, searching through his mind for a clue of her location. He wanted to fight her again, to defeat her, to crush her and prove who was the better warrior. Despite his loss to the samurai Kyô, the Encorna wanted to fight the Ominea most of all.

The warrior searched on for an answer, but it would not be enough in his current form. He would need help, the help of the Goddesses. "Naryu's Wisdom," Kenjin stated, channeling the energy of the Hyrulian Goddesses. His body changed, turning his skin from the shade of pink that was his body to deep sapphire, as his power activated.

Visions blurred in his head, revealing the future as it always did, his most powerful, and dangerous, strength. But the power was limited at least, only being able to see a few moments into the future. And he could never change it, it was best that way. In all his time with the power, he had never changed what he had seen, for he had no right to abuse the powers he had been given.

But instead of seeing Aurora, he saw instead a youth with white eyes and black pupils. He saw him walking towards Kenjin's own door. Strange, as Kenjin never allowed other to come in, but he never did keep his door locked. If they could get past the wrought-iron that blocked his room, they were worth coming in to see him. The door weighed easily over a ton, difficult to move for even the strongest fighters.

There was a locket, or some kind of chain of no importance to Kenjin. However, it was on his door, leaving him curious as to how it could have gotten there. He stopped the vision, reverting back to his normal form. The blue changed into the light pink of his skin, as the door to Kenjin's room was thrown aside like nothing, slamming hard on the hinges that held it in place.

"Who are you?" Kenjin asked quite calmly, taking in the form of the youth that had decided to annoy him. The child was facinating almost, radiating with power, Kenjin could sense the strength that dwelled within the boy, no matter how little he did actually sense. Just showing that he could move the door was enough to prove that he was a great fighter. "This is my domain, you have no right to be here."

He went over inside the dojo he called his domain to Thenatos, picking it up and sealing it away in its container, a sheath colored black as midnight. Satisfied, he turned to where the boy was standing, crossing his arms.

The boy's face seemed annoyed to say the least, though Kenjin could sense that he was holding something back from the Encorna. "I am the Encorna, I do not remember calling for anyone today. State your name, and the reason for intruding on my quarters, if you would be so kind."

He surveyed the child, or at least what he saw as a child. The white color of the skin was interesting, Kenjin had never seen something like it before. On the child's neck was the chain that he had seen in the vision of the future. There is something about that thing, Kenjin thought, keeping his own thoughts private. A force I can sense, or feel.

OoC: I hope that was all right for an intro post. Remember that Kenjin calls Karaza a child because Kenjin himself is unaging, and has been alive for as long as Hyrule had. Infinite, so don't think I'm offending your character when I do that.

Karaza looked at the large room. He had knocked the large door aside in an unexpected burst of force. He hadn’t meant to do it, but as he looked around these new chambers and his host, he quickly changed his mind. “Who am I?!” Karaza repeated somewhat annoyed. This new man was wearing a black suit, with a white shirt underneath. He had odd, coursing black hair that sent chills running through Karaza’s body.

“I believe that is what I said.” the other man replied calmly. “Or perhaps you’d like me to explain further. Well, I’ll try my best. You see, you just knocked away at my door, intruded into my room, disrupted my concentration, shall I go on? Now, explain who you are, or risk tempting me to use force.” Karaza looked back at the man. He didn’t want to be purposely rude, but he wanted some answers, and he certainly didn’t want to be threatened.

Karaza took another step closer and his new acquaintance drew some sort of golden objects from his wrist bands. They seemed to appear out of nowhere, and Karaza knew that they were weapons, it didn’t take an idiot to figure that much out. He stepped back, not knowing what the golden hilts would do.

“Listen, put those things away, or I’ll put them away fro you.” The black haired man did not cooperate. “I just want some answers,” Karaza continued. “And I think that you could possibly give me some.” Still, the weapons were not lowered. Karaza raised and a hand and brushed it through his bristly, black hair. He tapped his foot impatiently. “Well?”

“I’m afraid I cannot give you answers. Now please, show yourself out, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out, it’s heavy.” He winked at Karaza who was not satisfied with this response. Instead of turning to the door Karaza took yet another step closer. To his surprise the man raised the two hilts to his waist. In a flash of light two metal blades appeared on the ends of each. Karaza was now interested. What would happen if he took another step?

His foot hit the stone floor of the room and the other man raised the swords higher. Karaza stopped. “Look, a valuable possession of mine was found on your doorstep. Somehow, I’m convinced that you had something to do with it. Now, you either tell me who you are or blood shall be shed.”

The man sighed and slightly lowered his weapons. He looked up to the ceiling of the room. “Fine. I am Kenjin the Encorna. Now, I believe I asked you before to kindly exit my chambers. Please, don’t make me force you out.” That was all Karaza could take. He hated not getting straight answers, and having swords raised at him wasn’t his cup of tea, either. He dashed at the Encorna and erected his metal claws.

As metal clashed with metal Karaza was surprised to find that Kenjin was strong indeed. Although he was pushing at his swords with great force, the Encorna was not moving. He was grimacing slightly, but his feet stayed locked firmly in place. “Come now, we shouldn’t be fighting. I am but a humble warrior, and you are but a petty intruder.” he joked.

Karaza drew back his claws and then sent them flying forward again. Each time Kenjin managed to raise his swords to further block the assault. “That’s funny, wasn’t it you who drew a weapon on me. That’s how I recall it. No matter, with Kyrias gone I’ve been bored out of my mind anyway.” He jumped back to avoid a slash from his foe’s blade. As he landed on the stone floor of the chamber he tapped his heels together. Two blades shot out of the ends of each of his shoes.

“Blades are such awful toys, don’t you agree?” Kenjin taunted as Karaza flew at him with a barrage of spiked kicks. Karaza continued vigorously trying to pierce his opponent, knowing that even if he were to hurt him the Dome would tend to his wounds. He was unable to connect, though, despite his great efforts.

Karaza kicked off of the ground and landed some feet back from where he had stood. He looked down at his gray vest. It had been torn from one of his opponent’s swipes. He cussed lightly and looked back up at the Encorna. “What are you rambling on about? You’re swinging a pair of twin sabers, aren’t you?” Kenjin laughed.

“My, my, how very observant of you, uh, I don’t believe I’ve received your name. How’s that fair? No matter. But yes, I do seem to be holding blades. Well, I should fix that.” With another flash of light he stood, holding two short whips. Karaza looked on in astonishment, and figured out the way his weapons worked. He clicked his heals and retracted his claws into his leather gloves.

Kenjin seemed surprised that he had chosen to duel without weapons. He actually didn’t understand why they were duelling at all. “You are respectable, I suppose. I cannot attack you with these,” he signalled to the whips, and with another flash of light they were gone. “but I hope you don’t mind if I use this old sword.” he offered almost innocently, as he pointed to the sheathed sword on his back.

Karaza shrugged, not knowing of the power of the crystal sword. He nodded and prepared to attack once again. Meanwhile, Kenjin was thinking of his sword, wondering how to use it against his arrogant guest. Perhaps Karaza was in for more than he had bargained for.

OoC- I'm really sorry it's so short. I usually try to not write any BA posts under three pages long, but I wanted to get it in tonight, and I can't seem to figure out what Kenjin's room looks like. Anyway, sorry.

OoC: Kenjin's room normally looks like a dojo, but it can be transformed based on what Kenjin wants it to look like. I will change it to make it more fun. But trust me, the length you just did is more than enough, but I have a standard to maintain, so I will increase the length of my posts.

BiC:

Kenjin gripped the handle of Thenatos, the crystal sword on his back, and with a cry drew it from his black sheath. The sword wasted no time, glowing violently against Kenjin's force. The Elemental bared through the annoying resistance that had already begun to work, poisoning his power with negative force.

"Thenatos," Kenjin explained, forcing it into attack mode. "Made from my Crystal, that allows me to create negative weapons, opposite to a user's power, for training. This should make things more even, being that it will sap me of my strength just to move it."

"Funny, I would think that it would create an imbalance in my favor," the youth replied, taking a look at the crystal sword. The blade glinted, the ball on its hilt still swirling darkness, the negative energy that was yet to be cleansed by the Encorna.

"You would think that, wouldn't you?" Kenjin answered, grinning at the thought of a challenge. "But things do not work that way in my training dojo, which you will shortly learn."

Kenjin focused, calling forth the power of his room. The fighting dojo began to morph, tranforming. Vines began to shoot up from the wooden floor, followed by grass. Lushious green vegetation began to surface around the room. The table transformed, growing into a massive tree, sprouting branches as it went, followed by leaves. The chairs around it became to roots which dug into the new grass, as more trees sprouted from the ground, though none as big as the one the tree had created.

The ceiling morphed, forming into the pitch-black of the night. The moon materialized, full and circular like a coin. Its light was the sole source of vision for the warrior, who stood in the Encorna's yin-yang symbol, strangely untouched by the transformation. Cold air circled in the room, cold as the night's sky.

"Wonderful magic tricks," Karaza muttered, staring around the area. "Tell me, is it all real?"

"As real as can be," was the Encorna's reply, who had vanished into the night's darkness. "But it is the least of your worries."

"Show me then," the youth replied, preparing for the attack that was sure to come from the safety of the shadows. But nothing did, the Encorna did not emerge, hidden in the shadowy mist of the night forest, his favorite training arena. "Were are you?" Karaza asked himself, taking a careful step out of the yin-yang his feet were resting on, before venturing through the woods. If Kenjin would not come to him, he would come to the Encorna.

"If you insist, let me show you!" shouted the voice, coming from behind him, unleashing Thenatos onto the youth. Karaza dodged, allowing Thenatos to land in the trunk of one of the trees around him sinking into the bark of the tree. Karaza leapt, jumping into a tree‘s branch, before bouncing back and striking the Encorna's neck, aiming for the pressure point that would render him immobile.

Kenjin felt the blow connect just below his neck, near his left shoulder, but nothing happened to him. He remained conscious, seemingly immune to the attack. Grinning, he grabbed the youth by his arm, and smashed his body into the tree currently impaled by Thenatos. He retrieved the blade, and leapt back into the darkness.

"Where are you?" Karaza asked once again, before he heard a branch above him bend. He leapt out of the way as the crystal sword came down again on him, but the Encorna vanished with a blur back into the mist. "This is no time for hide and seek Encorna!" he called to the shadows. He treaded further, unable to see far ahead of him, even with his heightened senses he could not detect the Encorna. The warrior had erased himself completely.

"I beg to differ," the Encorna replied, using ventriloquism to make his voice come from everywhere. "That is the way of the ninja, and Shikenji. You must adapt to beat me here."

"Sounds like-" he dodged again, hearing it coming, as Kenjin attacked yet again. This time, the Encorna remained, attacking with his hands and feet as Karaza did, putting them on even ground. Kenjin grinned, this fighter was better than most, a probable challenge. They exchanged blows, attacking the other with growing speeds, but not reaching their full potentials. Both knew it was a waste to go all out at the beginning of any battle.

"Fight for your life!" Kenjin roared, kicking Karaza’s feet off the ground, sending Karaza into the air. The foe grinned however, and flipped off yet another tree, this time unsheathing the claws in his gloves, striking through the Encorna's non-existent present defense and sinking the blades into Kenjin's flesh. Time halted, as both fighters stood still. The Encorna looked down from Karaza’s face to his own wound, five blades slicing through his ribcage.

The Encorna grinned despite the holes in his chest, before he began to fade away in a blue light, vanishing into nothing but air. Karaza looked around, mildly confused at the loss of his opponent so soon in the battle. "Was that the best he had? Much too much talk, not enough action," Karaza muttered, retracting the claws in his gloves.

SMASH.

Kenjin's fist came out at the youth from the trees, knocking him into the trunk of the big tree they were fighting near.

"What the-" Karaza asked, before Kenjin attacked again, throwing expertly aimed blows with both hands and feet, moving his body in an almost snake-like fashion, ducking around the attacks that his foe was returning to him.

"You beat the training doll," Kenjin muttered, blocking a kick from the youth. "You're better than I thought. I think I will enjoy this fight." He grinned, swiping through the younger's defense with his fist, which was blocked and diverted.

"That was a training doll?" Karaza asked, though almost relieved that his enemy was by no means finished.

"Of course," Kenjin growled cheerfully, kicking the young man's legs with his feet. "The real me is much more tough." He fought on, wondering what powers the youth had.

Karaza looked at the room’s masquerade. The green of the room hid Kenjin’s dark clothes precisely, and Karaza could only hope to hear the tatter of his steps against the ground. He had indeed again lost track of Kenjin. He looked around, trying to keep his calm. His skin hurt slightly from the blows he had been forcefully dealt. There was a ruffling noise behind him and he darted forward. In the air he twirled around and faced his attacker, only it was not his attacker; it was actually a leaf.

Karaza’s back hit the soft mesh of the ground and he rolled back onto his feet. “For an attack dummy, don’t you think he resembled you quite strongly. You don’t seem that dumb, and you sure aren’t a very good attacker.” Karaza spoke, hoping to lure his foe to respond. It was dark, and when no answer came, Karaza’s knew that the time until another attack was lessening.

Kenjin’s foot crashed into Karaza’s grey vest and he thus sent his foe to the ground. Karaza’s got up off of his hands and knees and turned to face the Encorna. His black hair was still coursing through the air like liquid shadow. “I don’t believe I’ve received you name, just yet.” Kenjin drew Thenatos and swung it towards Karaza with devastating speed. The blade came crashing into Karaza’s raised left arm, and contrary to Karaza hoped and expectations, he was easily knocked off of his feet.

With a crash and thud, Karaza struck a tree, and had it not been inanimate, it probably would have cried. He stood up and felt that his spine had been bent rather unpleasantly. He put a hand on his back and curved his spine until a loud crunched echoed through the mutated room. He remembered Kenjin’s question. “My name, why would it matter to a thief?” he spoke aloud, knowing that, despite his most recent disappearance, the Encorna could still hear him.

“A thief? My, my, you have a rather quick mouth, and an amazingly slow brain. An intruder calling me a thief, a classic case of the kettle calling the teapot black.” Both Kenjin’s voice and his lighthearted laugh rung through the forest. Karaza looked around, Kenjin had to be in the room somewhere. After a moment of silence the answer struck him: Kenjin was still in the room, and even if Karaza couldn’t sense him, he could still strike him.

“For someone in the middle of a battle, you sure do come up with lame things to say.” Karaza stalled. It was quite ironic, actually, that he himself could not think of anything more intimidating. All he needed, however, was for Kenjin to hide for another three or four seconds. When he saw no sign of the Encorna then he knew it was time to bring the fight to him.

He closed his eyes and extended his arms away from his torso. “Ready or not, here I come!” he shouted loudly, making sure he was heard. In a rush of telekinetic force he lifted off of the ground and opened his eyes. An instant later the entire room filled rapidly with pulsating psi energy. Karaza strained to keep the energy flowing, and despite it quantity, it remained nonfatal.

There was a light, rather dumbstruck sort of grunt. Karaza spun around and watched as Kenjin fell from a tree and landed awkwardly on his face, with his lower body still facing upwards. He slid himself onto his chest and them stood erectly up. “Wow, young one, I see that you possess power beyond my earlier understanding. You have poor tactics skills, though, I’m afraid. A skill like that would have been best kept secret until a more crucial time.” Karaza stared blankly at this man. He was getting annoyed by both his wise talk and the way he kept on calling Karaza young.

“You think you’re pretty wise, don’t you?” Karaza addressed him calmly. “I don’t know where you stand here in the Dome, but you have no right to look down on me, and you have no right to steal from me!” Karaza ran at Kenjin and swung his right foot towards his head. The Encorna smiled and raise his left hand. The kick did nothing. Kenjin’s face wrinkled a little in frustration, but his hand did not move.

That was a surprisingly strong kick. Perhaps the young one has also trained under the Ominae. I wonder if Tokumaru has heard of him. I suppose, then, I will have to get a name. Kenjin thought silently. Karaza pulled his foot back, and was slowly walking backwards. “Now, now, young one, no need to be afraid. I have no reason to harm you. Unless you have intruded my chambers, why would you fear me? Oh, wait... that’s right. Well, no need to worry just yet. There’s still plenty of fight left in you yet, I can feel it.”

“Feel it, can you? Feel this!” Karaza charged his foe, and just before he connected he twirled in the air. His elbow connected with Kenjin’s face. Finally, a reaction! Kenjin’s head twisted slightly and his body soon followed. The force from Karaza’s attack sent him flying backwards into a large rock lying in the ground. Karaza landed and turned around to see the results of his force.

Kenjin was raising himself off of the ground. His head was crooked, as if it had been taken off and then put back incorrectly, and he appeared sore, but he was not bleeding. Karaza cursed lightly. He had put so much strength just to get his opponent’s feet off of the ground. He had been worried that if he had put much more force into the strike that he could have possibly killed him, but he now knew that that wasn’t the case.

“A powerful strike,” Kenjin said in reply, “but grossly misplaced, I’m afraid. Going for my head isn’t going to win you the fight. And plus, it’s an undignified last resort. I’m disappointed. Now, are you going to give me your name, or am I going to have to beat it out of you?” He drew Thenatos and Karaza realized that it seemed to be weighing him down. When it had connected with him, it hadn’t seemed heavy at all. Why?

“The name’s Karaza.” he answered, figuring that at this point, it couldn’t possibly make a difference in the end. Kenjin nodded his head, pleased with this new found compliance, and he went to sheath Thenatos. Karaza hadn’t expected him to put it away if he had revealed his name. “No, keep that out. The lord knows you’ll need it.” Kenjin stopped. His power had just been doubted.

“Alright then, child.” He took the crystalline blade and gripped the handle. “But what say you we slightly change the odds?” Karaza did not respond. Who knew what Kenjin would attempt. “No objections? Good. Kenjin Chaos Burner!” Karaza stared with expecting eyes, waiting for something to happen, but Kenjin just stood there. He seemed a bit blurry. Perhaps he had affected Karaza’s eye sight. Karaza knew this was not the case, however, as Kenjin suddenly blurred out of sight.

Karaza looked around coolly. “Come on!” he shouted, knowing that his foe was all around him. “The acceleration technique is a little lame on you, don’t you think?” Still no answer. “Now, if you really want to see how it’s done...” Karaza mentally released a special compound into his molecular structure. He lightly spun his head, and in it’s accelerated state it moved thousands of times faster than the rest of his body, which was producing motion that was only barely visible.

With one final smile Karaza started walking slowly around. Only, his pace couldn’t really be called slow, for with the help of molecular acceleration, he was moving much too fast for a regular person to detect him. He looked around, and saw Kenjin. The Encorna was wide eyed as he saw Karaza moving at the same speed as himself. “Well now, perhaps there are some things about you yet to be discovered.”

Karaza smirked and let out a light chuckle. “You have no idea.” He charged at Kenjin with a fist raised. His enemy drew his sword to block, but his great effort could not even prepare him for Karaza’s surprise. As Karaza’s motion increased, so did his acceleration, and so, as he approached Kenjin, even in an already accelerated state, he accelerated, thus delivering an unstoppable punch.

A green leaf pirouetted down from a tree as Kenjin’s back collided with it’s trunk. He was breathing heavily, trying hard to maintain his speed. Karaza walked over to him, but kept a decent distance. He was smiling, happy to have gained some sort of edge. He quickly drew his claws. “Now, I want you to answer my question. How did you get my chain off of my neck?”

Kenjin could not get up. He no longer had any advantage speed-wise against his foe. “I didn’t steal your jewellery. Why can you not understand this? Why is it so important to you?” Kenjin was surprised to find Karaza moved strait up to his and grab his by the collar of his shirt. He had an entirely different look on his face, but where had it come from?

“That’s none of your concern. I’ve had enough of this fighting game. You’ll tell me what I want to know, or I’ll kill you right now.” Karaza was surprised to see that despite his threat, Kenjin was not moving, at all. He squinted at him in order to see the problem.

“Pathetic. He couldn’t even hold acceleration for over five minutes.” He immediately slowed his own process of acceleration and Kenjin gradually regained his ability to move.

“As I was saying, tell me what I want to know, or you die.”

The Encorna was laughing, and he seemed to be rather jolly, even despite the fact that he had a pair of metal claws in front of his face. “Do you really think you could kill me? Even if you wanted to, I mean. You’re no match for me, and I’ll prove it...”

OoC- So sorry about the time it took me to reply. I'll try to not take this along again. And I think this post is longer than the last, but it's still a little short of my average. Sowwy

OoC: This has got to be the longest post I've ever written in the BA. That might not be much to guys like you, but to me it's a lot. Enjoy some moves of my own invention.

BiC:

Karaza’s eyes opened in annoyance at the being’s confidence. Angered, but not to the point at the loss of control, he grabbed the Encorna with his arm, and threw him towards a tree, pressing Kenjin’s back against the oak bark. It was silent, only a calm stream was any indication that anything else was there. The two fighters stood against each other, Karaza pushing Kenjin to remain centered on the tree, but surprisingly, the Encorna did not try to fight back.

“Better watch who you declare victory against, lest you fight someone that can defeat you,” the young man growled lightly, pressing one of his claws at Kenjin’s throat, keeping him motionless. But the Encorna did not seem worried, his expression was not one of annoyance, but one of confidence.

“But Karaza,” Kenjin whispered, not moving a single inch. “You should learn to respect your elders, and your betters.” He grinned, as Karaza’s face twitched. “Lest you yourself get into something that you cannot defeat,” said a voice behind Karaza.

The man spun around, only to see Kenjin the Encorna staring back at him, arms crossed with exasperation. “I was rather hoping you would see through this by now, haven’t we been through this already?” The man’s eyes widened as he turned to the Kenjin that remained in his grasp.

“This is-not you?” he asked, releasing the Encorna he had, and turning towards the one that had called him from behind. “You send another training doll after me, are you so cowardly that you will not face me yourself?” He was surprised as the Encorna remained immune to the insult.

“But I do so love surprises,” Kenjin grinned, before a sharp kick came up from behind Karaza, striking the man in the back, sending him flying into the Encorna that was speaking. Karaza prepared his claws, striking against the flesh of Kenjin. But as the claws sank in, the giant frame of the man vanished, leaving Karaza to strike the ground of the forest. The man flipped against the forest underbrush, and returned to face Kenjin with great acrobatic skill. “And I always love giving them to opponents, my illusions grow greater and greater in power.”

“What-was that?” the man asked, keeping his claws focused on this Kenjin, the one that he had himself freed from his grasp. He had felt so real, but that of course was because that one was real. “An illusion of the mind?”

Kenjin laughed, nodding his head as he did so. “Correct youth Karaza. I suggest you branch up on your martial arts. Shikenji is a rather nice style of my own creation, built to confuse and frustrate opponents with its powerful illusions.”

He sheathed Thenatos, despite the youth’s warning. He would not need the crystal blade, it would drain too much of his power to continually use. Part of the weapon had been cleansed, but not enough to make it so that Kenjin would have an advantage with the powerful blade. He raised his arms in a defensive stance, encouraging the young warrior to make his move. “Come now Karaza, you will have to kill me to gain the secrets you want. And I do not like dying, it is too mortal for my taste.”

Karaza moved. Fast. Without giving Kenjin a moment’s breath, driven to get the truth from the unknown warrior, he attacked, slashing his claws towards the Encorna. The blades attacked, but still Kenjin did nothing to stop them, content to stand still and take his attack. “For someone that doesn’t like Death, you sure have a strange way of showing it!”

SLASH.

Karaza found himself unable to move an inch, as his attack was blocked. Faster then Karaza’s eyes could track, Kenjin had swept his arm guards, and caught all ten claws in them at once, his arms twisted in ways that astounded the younger man. With a grin, Kenjin pushed his arms apart, sending the claws flying from the gloves, broken and shattered. “It is not the weapon that makes a fighter, it’s how a fighter uses every weapon to his advantage!”

Kenjin flipped his feet, sending a small boulder directly towards Karaza’s face from under his feet. At once, the claws reemerged, and slashed through the rock. Granite and shrapnel scattered around the fighters as the rock split into small pieces, like a bomb had attacked it. Dust clouded the vision of the Encorna, and by the time it had settled, Karaza was gone, vanished into nothing.

“Think you can use my own trick against me can you?” Kenjin asked, though nothing replied to his question. Karaza was remaining silent it would seem, readying a time to strike. “Fine, have it your way youth,” Kenjin muttered, focusing his inner Elemental powers. “Shikenji style- Elemental Eyesight!”

Instantly, Kenjin’s eyes retracted, reverting into his skin. The skin covered his eyes, blinding him from the normal dimension of sight. But instantly afterwards, colors began to light up, green as emeralds, showing him every trace of Life in the forest. He looked up, and saw the moon as a golden crescent from the Light coming off of it. He looked towards the stream, and saw the blue light of Water.

He focused, seeing beyond the Life, and towards a green figure that was creeping towards him on a tree ahead of him. He saw Karaza attempting to hide from him, and chuckled lightly at the youth’s foolishness. He was silent, despite the fact that Karaza could not see him anyway. He crept up behind the youth, and struck.

Karaza felt a sharp jab in his side, before falling to the ground on his feet. He turned to face the surprising form of the Encorna, minus his eyes. Ignoring the strange transformation, he attacked, slicing at Kenjin as the elemental delivered punches that could knock a hole in solid steel. He groaned lightly as a punch grazed his shoulder, putting him off balance.

Kenjin saw his opportunity, and took it. Ducking low, he swept up his feet, knocking Karaza off the ground, and in midair. Aiming a punch, he attacked, putting forth real power, and not so held back as he had been earlier.

Calling forth the psionic energy, Karaza lifted himself from the ground, levitating himself into the air, before slicing downwards for an aerial assault against the unprepared Kenjin. He grinned with triumph as Kenjin’s skin was pierced through by the attack, and kicked the Encorna’s chest, releasing his talons and returning to above Kenjin’s reach, to watch him die.

“I would tell you to try watching who you call a child in future Kenjin, but I don’t think you have much of a future,” Karaza muttered grimly, seeing that even in his death throes, Kenjin’s face remained fixed with a smile. Just then, Karaza realized why.

Blue light was emitting from the Encorna’s broken flesh, protecting the ancient warrior from harm. Kenjin smiled as it slowly healed, returning to its original state. The gi returned to its dark shape, and the yin-yang symbol on his chest healed. Kenjin looked up at Karaza, grinning at the surprise on the youth’s face. “Do you think such flimsy toys are any good against something like me?”

“Element of Wind!” Kenjin commanded, feeling the air around him part, to allow him to mover vertically. “Phoenix Tear-Aeolus Typhoon!” He soared up, aided by the power of the wind in the room. “Foolish mortal, I can’t wait to see how fast you are in midair. Diroyu Blades!” His arm guards glowed, as two golden hilts materialized in his hands, glowing with powerful energy.

“Your blades are hilts?” Karaza asked incredulously, he had never seen such an attack style.

“Your blades are hilts?” Kenjin retorted sarcastically, imitating Karaza with a shrill voice. “Do not underestimate things you do not understand youth. But maybe I should allow them to explain themselves.” He felt the power of the blades, feeding them the command he requested. Instantly, the swords glowed, forming around Kenjin’s hands. The began to spread, sprouting ten long blades from his fingertips, all golden as the blades themselves, which had become a second skin around Kenjin’s hands. They were exact replicas of Karaza’s claws, in every aspect but color. While Karaza’s were metallic grey, Kenjin’s claws were golden.

“You mock my weapons?” Karaza growled lightly, as the Encorna rose his height in the air, his massive frame amazingly supported by the air around him.

“A simple curiosity,” Kenjin replied, flexing his hands. “True, I have never used such an intriguing weapon design, but I find it rather clever. I will enjoy using these. I hope you are skilled enough to fend off such an attack. I have already figured out most of your best moves from those brief exchanges of skill just now.” He twisted the claws, forming them into a swift stance. Despite the fact that Kenjin was flying, it would have seemed that he was still on the ground.

“Well then,” Karaza said, getting into position. “Bring it on.” The other grinned, vanishing into thin air with blurring speed.

The forest was quiet. A light breeze was gently caressing the trees, and causing the coursing river to splash water all about. The moon in the dark sky illuminated the ground, casting a beautiful, silky glow all about the room. Karaza stood motionless, waiting for some sort movement off of which he could feed his next attack, but it the Encorna was very good at remaining unseen. Anything. The rustling of leaves. A snap from a tree branch. A foot splashing in a puddle. Anything.

Nothing.

“So, then, you intend to attack me with my own weapons?” Karaza asked, being sure to glance around the trees quickly so as to not pass up an opportunity to catch his foe. “And what is more, you plan to do it from the shadows. I’m disappointed, Kenjin the Encorna.” He knew it was coming, but could he really just wait for it. He still hadn’t revealed his trump card to Kenjin, and wasn’t yet ready to.

“Boo.” came the whisper from just behind his ear. Karaza whipped around to find the Encorna standing just behind him. They were both now on solid ground. Karaza moved with great fluidity in order to block, but his enemy was quicker. The blades came crashing down against his side, slashing thinly through the skin. Karaza jumped back and looked down, praying that the attacked spot would not yet bleed. To his dismay, three streams of silver blood were running down the side of his torn shirt.

“Well, that’s an interesting colour.” Kenjin commented, toying from a new hiding spot. He continued to watch the cuts, and as he sat almost invisible in his tree, he was shocked by what he saw next. The wounds were slowly filling with a light, as had Kenjin’s, only the light was a bright white, and not blue. “That’s not possible.” he stammered, believing this type of regeneration to be something other than what it actually was.

“What’s the matter?” Karaza asked, looking towards the trees, knowing that his secret had been found out. He had a smirk on his face, knowing that Kenjin did not. “I suppose it’s amazing when it’s happening to you, but when it happens to someone else, it loses it’s thrill. Is that it?” No response. “Face me!” his voice roared through the forest. He was tired of playing hide and seek.

Leaves rustled as Kenjin landed softly on the ground. He had a less confident expression on his face, but still seemed relatively calm. “Well, Karaza, I suppose that that changes the game a little bit, doesn’t it? I’m afraid this changes my strategy.” Kenjin suddenly blurred out of Karaza vision. He thought that, perhaps, Kenjin has accelerated again. Just as he prepared to do the same, a noise from behind. He turned around to find Kenjin facing him.

What had been the point of disappearing? That was revealed as another noise came from behind. Again Karaza spun on his heels. Kenjin was now leaning against a tree, he had moved. No. He hadn’t moved, because it wasn’t him. Karaza spun his head around a few times, and was annoyed to find another three Kenjin’s moving in from the distances of the forest. Five on one. Perhaps an unfair advantage to some. To Karaza?

Karaza smiled. “This again. Illusions of the mind. Tell me, which one of you is the original?” He waited, and to his disappointment he got only five simultaneous answers telling him to guess. He sighed and rolled his eyes. “I’m not in the mood for guessing games. I would, however, enjoy a five on five battle.” All of the Kenjin’s remained silent, although Karaza knew that one was asking himself questions in his head. “Yeah, you’re not the only one with a trick or two.”

Karaza blinked and all of a sudden his body started to blur. It was as if his entire being was being constructed of tiny lines. The Encornas watched in patience, awaiting the final result. In a moment, a second blurred figure slid out of Karaza’s. It moved quickly to his left, and stopped just feet away. Then another did the same to his right. Then, just as it had happened with the original, another two figures slid out of the new figures. In a matter of seconds Karaza had multiplied fivefold.

“An impressive trick,” one Kenjin remarked. “it was indeed surprising,” said another. “but do you honestly-” he broke off and let another continue, “think that this will save you?” The fifth Encorna decided to chip in, “Pathetic.” It now seemed to be an even match. Five Karazas were lined up, and five Encorna’s were watching them closely. But how had Karaza multiplied, was the main question running through the real Kenjin’s mind.

Karaza noticed that none of the Kenjin’s that stood before him were wielding golden claws. That meant that Kenjin was either not among them, or had gotten rid of the blades. His preference was the latter, but he could only hope. He waited for some sort of attack. Accelerating to the point where you can create copies of yourself is strenuous. He would only be able keep up the pace for several minutes before he lost acceleration, but it would be worth it see the look on his foe’s face.

Usually, in a battle, something happens to signal the beginning of an attack. It can be intentional, like the blowing of a horn, or unintentional, like a sudden gust of wind. No foreword was given, however, to the ten combatants. All of a suddenly one Karaza took a step forward and everyone started moving extremely quickly. One Karaza managed to get above a Kenjin in the air, and was thus able to kick him towards the ground. Another Kenjin held a Karaza by the neck against a tree. He was too preoccupied, however, to see the other Karaza coming up behind him with drawn claws.

There was a sickening crunch as metal pierced flesh. Everyone took a second to look at the two, and then continued to fight in huge numbers. The Kenjin who had been attacked removed his opponent’s claws from his abdomen and waited for the blue light to heal his wounds. He then struck Karaza in the face. There was a suddenly pause as that Karaza was sent flying to the ground. In another instant, ever single Karaza in the room other than that one disappeared in a blurred flash.

All Kenjins’ eyes focussed on that one Karaza, and it suddenly occurred to Kenjin how Karaza had been able to duplicate. I see, he accelerated to the point of creating clones of himself, and then constantly shifted positions. It’s amazing that he would be able to keep track of all his previous positions. And his movements were so perfect. Kenjin gawked from safety as he watched his illusions. Karaza had lost his clones when he had been knocked off balance.

Karaza frowned as all the Kenjin’s suddenly faded away into nothingness. He watched as his actual foe appeared from a tree. A cool breeze blew past the two and Karaza stood up, happy that he had not been speedily attacked. Kenjin brushed his hand through his black hair. “I’m impressed, Karaza. That was very impressive. I think you’re misunderstanding your position in this battle, though. You see, you can pull out all of the fancy stunts you want, but in the end, it will be my victory.” He finished with a faint smile. Karaza drew his claws and saw that Kenjin did the same.

The two slowly began circling, both waiting for some chance to strike the other. “You don’t know what I’m capable of, Encorna. You haven’t seen my true power yet. Your wise persona is intimidating, but it doesn’t make you all powerful. You’d do well to learn that.” Karaza said. He rocketed forward, faking an attack, and in an accelerated burst of speed, reappeared behind his enemy. The Encorna was faster than ever, and had already turned around by that time. He managed to catch all of Kenjin’s claws in his own, stopping each just inches away from his face.

“Karaza, this is pathetic and pointless. No matter how powerful you are, it is quite obvious that I have the upper hand. Besides, the good guy always win, or do you not observe television?” There was a slight power struggle between the two, and they both pushed back and sent each other flying. Kenjin landed on the ground, and was up in a few second, but Karaza hit a tree. He shook his head and tried to get his wind back. He successfully stood up, ready to do battle once again, feeling only a little dizzy.

“What,” he paused to swallow. “makes you think that you’re the good guy?” Kenjin dashed towards his foe with claws raised. Karaza raised his arms to block but the force from Kenjin’s dashed pushed him up against a tree. Kenjin was in front of Karaza in seconds and pinning him to the tree. The only thing that kept Kenjin’s blades from Karaza’s face were his own claws. He sighed heavily, trying to push Kenjin off of him, with no success in sight.

“Why am I the good guy? Karaza, you came in here spreading lies to me. I did not steal from you. I asked you politely to leave, you did not. Can you not see? You brought this upon yourself, you are the villain.” Kenjin drew one of his claws back and attempted to pierce Karaza’s stomach. He was unsuccessful, but Karaza was now sweating.

“Liar!” There was an explosion of force throughout the room. Kenjin was sent through the air, spiralling out of control due to the brute force of the psychic energy wave. He caught his balance and managed to stop and stand upright. It was too late, however, for Karaza was already up and about. “You stole my chain, and I intend to find out why?” informed Karaza, making sure that Kenjin knew he was serious. What was it about that chain that could possibly be getting him so worked up?

OoC- Again, I'm sorry it's taking so long. There's just a lot going on for me right now, and I think I'm growing a little lazy as of late. Anyway, if you ever think I'm taking too long to reply, just PM me with a friendly little nudge.

OoC: Must...laugh...at...TV...comment! That was freaking great. And it's all right if you take a while, just as long as you don't forget .

BiC:

"If you really wanted to know the truth Karaza," the Encorna replied, walking up to him quite calmly, "I could tell you. But I enjoy your company, and the amusement that you have provided. I will enjoy it when I crush you." He flexed the golden claws in his grasp, smiling calmly despite the fact that the boy had displayed considerable strength at that point.

"From what I've seen of you," Karaza growled, keeping his voice low, "all you seem to be able to do is play with my head. You won't get far with that."

"Of course not Karaza," Kenjin replied, his eyes glinting through the dark forest. "But then again, what ever gave you the idea that all I could do was play with your mind? Just like you, I am nowhere near my true power. I, just like you, have barely scratched the surface of my raw power. Do not assume you are the only one holding back youth." He grinned as he saw that Karaza was withholding unseen rage from him. I wonder about that necklace of his however, he thought, glancing down towards the youth's neck. I will have to see for myself what makes him so protective of it.

"Karaza, I'm sure by now you grow bored of such an arena, as do I," he said casually, with every hint in his voice that he did not care what the youth thought. "I will alter it, so it can be fair on you. This is, after all, my favorite training pit. I will even the odds, so you can at least have a fighting chance. You won't last much longer in the forest in any event."

"I will silence that ego of yours Encorna," Karaza replied, lunging at Kenjin with all his claws. Kenjin grinned, his golden talons gleaming as he once again caught all of Karaza's blade.

"Don't you get it Karaza?" the Encorna asked, as the arena began to alter around them. "Already I have figured out your best moves with those claws of yours, and have created the perfect defense against them. When you are older, and if I allow you to live, perhaps you will realize that some people are not to be annoyed with things such as your medallion."

Karaza growled, but was unable to move, Kenjin holding him fast. The night around them sank, turning into bright daylight. The sun streamed above them as the forest becam