Meditation Grove (Power Shot)

OoC: Okay, I believe my strongest character is Ronin, so I'll use him. I would like you to use Elrick, if that's okay.

BiC:

Ronin walked to the edge of the forest, So this is where I'm supposed to meet this Kenjin?

I believe it is, came the reply of Ronin's inner demon, Notus, This is an interesting situation.

Yeah...

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The green-haired thief had been aimlessly traveling around the country, much like the past couple years. Finally, he had managed to find a rather large city. While the shorter houses and buildings were only a story high and made of mud and clay, the more lavish places were great stone structures, easily four or more stories high. But Ronin didn't care about rich houses, he only wanted to find the market.

His stomach growled as he wandered through the streets, I'm so hungry.

A sneer came from Notus, You're so weak. I could go weeks without eating. Humans can fill one up easily. Disgusting memories of torn-apart humans flooded both minds.

Stop it! the boy shouted, I'm not interested in what you ate. Those images made him want to puke, even though his stomach was empty. The wind demon laughted at his discomfort. Ronin tried hard to just ignore Notus and search for the bazaar. Up and down dirt streets, halfway around the city it seemed, but still no stealable food. He was satited, however, when he came upon a lone cart of cherries. They aren't the most appitizing but they'll have to do. He walked calmly by it, not wanting to attract the attention of the owner who was conversing with a woman. Swiftly, his hand snatched one of the bundles. But before he could fully hide his hand, a rough one grabbed it.

"Going to pay for those?" the man icily asked. When Ronin didn't reply, he turned to some guards stationed at a street corner and yelled, "Hey! I got meself a thief here!" As the soldiers started coming, the thief panicked. The runes on his hand and cheek glowed green.

"Yana!" he yelled. A gust of wind beneath the owner's feet unbalanced him and he let go. Immediatly, the grey-eyed boy ran for his life.

"Come back here!" the guards shouted. But, of course, Ronin wasn't going to. He feet moved so fast it appeared that the boy was running on the wind. The buildings moved in a blur. He didn't even glance at anyone, so intent was he on escaping from the soldiers. Except one, a man with wild black hair and a black clothing. Notus' curiosity was sparked but Ronin kept on weaving through the city until he was sure the guards had lost him.

That was too close for comfort, he sighed.

That man... the demon said distractingly, Surely you noticed him, too.

Yeah. Something was strange, but, it doesn't matter. Whoever he was, I'm sure we won't see him again.

About 20 miles away from the town, under the starry sky, Ronin had built a small but steady fire. "Nothing to eat, again," he complained. "If only I could have gotten those cherries..." A person coming towards him interrupted his thoughts.

"You look like the right person," the stranger observed. He was in nothing more than regular traveling clothes but in his right hand he had a piece of paper and a bunch of cherries. The man looked at him carefully.

"What?" Ronin finally asked. The traveler jumped a little then held out the paper and food.

"A man in the city told me to give these to a boy with green hair and grey eyes. He said you'd understand."

Then Notus' realized, That man.

You don't know that, the thief stated, then excepted the items, "Thank you." He watched the messanger walk off and opened the paper, which was a letter.

Greetings,

I have heard of you, Ronin Ako, though I never thought to see you in a city such as the one you were in. You seem to hold great power, one that could be useful. I have established a group of warriors that includes some of the most talented. However, not all can join. I have seen that you have speed, but what about fighting capability? If you would wish to join me and my commrads, come to the forest south of here. Then, we will test your power.

Kenjin the Encorna

Kenjin the Encorna... He sounds powerful. But then, so am I. I think we should go to this 'test' to prove our skill to others, Notus said.

Ronin took another look at the cherries, Well, it can't be too bad.

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So where is this Encorna? the demon asked, annoyed. Ronin, having far more patience, just shrugged. Just a few minutes later, a figure walked out of the trees.

"I'm glad you could make it," Kenjin said. Now that the thief wasn't running from authority, he could get a clear look at the being. He was appearantly young, no older than 30. He had fierce, black hair with a black uniform adorned with the yin-yang symbol. But what struck both Ronin and Notus was the enormous amount of energy the man created. He could easily defeat the two, no doubt.

"You must be Kenjin," Ronin cautiously replied.

"Yes," was the collected answer, "You being here must mean you are interested in joining my knights."

The thief was a little more wary about that. "Who exactly are your knights? What do you do?"

"Simple. We help people and sometimes go on quests of our own." Talk about a watered down version, Ronin thought. But these knights sounded like something he could actually be apart of. Notus, on the other hand, didn't like to help people and was very ready for a fight. "I would like to get started so if you would follow me..." he ended by stepping back into the trees. The boy came soon after.

The forest was a beautiful place. The sunlight appeared green through all the leaves. There was hardly and animals but Ronin enjoined the peace. He allowed the quietness and life of the forest to calm him down and relax him. Trees grew tall on all sides and of all variety. Grass was thick and cushy under his boots. Notus normally hated places such as this but couldn't resist the calmness of the forest, either. After about 30 minutes of walking, the sound of water rumbling reached their ears.

"We are almost to the spot," Kenjin noted. Not long, they came to a peaceful grove. A small stream ran over a mild waterfall and through the area. It was paradice in paradice. However, sitting in the middle, was another man. He had his back turned to the two, a crimson robe, blond hair in a ponytail, and a fiendish-looking sword on his back was all that Ronin could see of him. He made no movment, locked in metitation. "He will be your opponent," the Encorna said then turned to the man, "Elrick of Red, I have brought Ronin Ako."

Elrick stood up and turned to looked at Kenjin and Ronin. He was wore blue jeans and a black shirt under the robe and black gloves over his hands. "So, this is the one?" he asked Kenjin.

"Yes. He is the new recuit. Ronin," the thief looked at him, "This is Elrick of Red. He will be the one to decree whether you are worthy or not. Won't you?"

The man smiled, "Don't worry, Kenjin, I'll take care of him." Ronin didn't like the sound of that.

"In that case, I take my leave." With that, Kenjin the Encorna vanished. Ronin glanced at his new opponent.

He seems strong. He may just be a challange, Notus observed, ready for a fight. Ronin wasn't as excited.

OoC: Of course.

BiC:

The grove's waterfall continued to flow, as it always had for as long as anyone could remember. Its vast water supply never ceased, but always fell down the small arch that allowed a small cavern to be available to Elrick, who was there on behalf of the Encorna, a powerful warrior and a close friend, as both were a member of the same group, the knights the Encorna had created.

Kenjin showed him down into the grove where he was to fight a recruit that Kenjin had seen in the city, and had been watching over. A boy named Ronin, whom the Encorna had taken an interest in. Strange for him, as Elrick had never known that the Encorna was even interested in adding to the ranks.

They had many fighters, all powerful in their own ways, but together did they hold the power to vanquish any foe. Tuariv was nearing the Encorna's power, but would never reach it.

I wonder how long he plans to take? Elrick asked himself, before he heard footsteps coming towards the site. Ask question, get answer, Elrick thought, rising from within the waterfall to view his opponent.

The Encorna had led the young fighter into the grove with great dramatics, but the youth did not seen able to take on Elrick. But the blood master sense something within the warrior's blood, something hidden but powerful.

"Elrick of Red, I have brought Ronin Ako," Kenjin announced.

Elrick stood up and turned to looked at Kenjin and Ronin. "So, this is the one?" he asked Kenjin.

"Yes. He is the new recuit. Ronin," the thief looked at him, "This is Elrick of Red. He will be the one to decree whether you are worthy or not. Won't you?"

The man smiled, "Don't worry, Kenjin, I'll take care of him." He was ready to fight, it had been a long time, he hoped he had not rusted.

He saw the child gulp, and smiled. He wasn't going to go easy on the young one. "Do not be afraid," he told the boy. "I intend to fight you, not kill you.

"This is the Trail of the Knights," Elrick explained, walking into an unseen fighter's circle. "You will do battle with me to become one of us. If you are deemed worthy, you will be presented with our friendship, as well as friends that will come to your aid. Are you ready?"

He did not unsheath his sword, as the demonic weapon would not be needed so early in the fight. After all, he had the power of manipulating blood. He would not need much else, or so he presumed.

OoC: Post the beginning of the battle. Be discriptive, and remember not to rush anything.

OoC: Alright, don't rush. Let's see if I can type with jittery nerves.

BiC:

"This is the Trail of the Knights," Elrick explained, walking into an unseen fighter's circle. "You will do battle with me to become one of us. If you are deemed worthy, you will be presented with our friendship, as well as friends that will come to your aid. Are you ready?"

That's a good question, Ronin thought. Elrick was easily a foot taller. He was obviously a trained fighter while Ronin was just a thief.

You are not just a thief, his dark soul added, You are the reincarnation of the wind demon, Notus. That will account for far more than whatever Elrick of Red has. The boy nodded slightly. Notus had never encouraged Ronin. The demon was only interested in the boy getting knocked unconscious so he could come out.

Maybe Sin was right. I have effected how Notus acts, Ronin pondered. He was glad Notus wasn't paying attention or he'd have something to say about that thought. But the demon was busy studying this new foe. Notus' small speeched raised Ronin's spirit a little.

Are you paying attention!? the demon suddenly shouted in Ronin's mind. He flinched from the loudness. You need to observe your opponent, he began to tutor, Study how he moves. Look at Elrick. His leg muscles are taunt as he moves. That's shows that, while you may be fast, he has a large amount of stamina. Also, he is obviously larger than you so the only advantages you might have are speed and magic. Remember that!

Are you okay? Ronin had to ask. In his whole life, the demon had never acted like this. He actually seemed worried about Ronin. You've never given me advice.

Notus pondered for a second, I suppose it is because this seems to be more of a fight for you than for me, though I will intervene. I may enjoy to kill but I know my limits now. Perhaps joining these knights will make us stronger.

The thief thought about that, too. You know they wouldn't let you kill anymore.

We shall see about that, he said arrogantly. Now he was acting more like the Notus Ronin had been with. However, this whole time, Elrick of Red had been learning about them, too.

"Are you ready?" he asked again. A serious look was planted on his face. I guess I shouldn't dawdle anymore, Ronin decided. He also stepped into the grassy arena. Here, sunlight poured undisturbed into the grove. It reflected brightly off of the running stream. The water itself was clear and blue with a few fish swimming in the mild current. Nothing other than grass grew in the clearning and no animals crawled through it. The branched of trees that surrounded the grove bent towards the fighters as if bowing to a climatic battle. But the peacefulness was never dispelled. Now Ronin knew why Elrick had been meditating. It was hard to not just sit down and fall asleep in this nature. The boy knew he couldn't do that, he had a fight coming.

Ronin drew Vaya and Fujin and took a battle stance, "I'm ready."

OoC: I'm not sure how Elrick's blood manipulation works so you'll have to post about it before I do.

OoC: Of course, Elrick's rather unique power is very difficult to understand outside of me.

BiC:

"I'm ready."

Elrick nodded, signaling the fight to begin. It would be a hard one, for the Encorna had placed such confidence in this fighter. Why would such a boy be allowed to join? Elrick thought to himself, noting the small daggers that the boy had. But he wouldn't even be able to reach the Red, thanks to a special ability he had learned to live with, however vile it was.

Elrick felt the blood of his foe as it began to circle him. He would not need to see, for his powers allowed him to sense blood around him. It heightened his strength and stamina as long as he had a supply available. The boy was uncertain, as Elrick was not drawing any weapons, despite the mammoth blade on his back. But if the child thought that it would weaken him, than this Ronin was in for a surprise.

Ronin charged first, aiming for Elrick's left shoulder. But Elrick made no move, save to remove the gloves he wore to cover his hands. He opened the hole on the left hand, releasing two drops of blood onto a nearby rock, unseen by the youth.

Ronin moved closer, getting overconfident as Elrick knew he would. He still did not move, the boy was within striking range.

WHAM!

The rock, called by the blood Elrick had placed on its surface, sprung to defend the blood master, clashing against the green steel of Ronin's blades. With a grin, Elrick stepped forward to punch Ronin in the face, not heavily but still enough to let the child feel some pain.

Ronin regained himself, flipping in midair to land back on his feet. A small cut was on his cheek from where his daggers collided with the rock, creating smaller fragments of stone to chip away, one cutting through the skin on his left cheek.

Elirck dropped the rock, making it immoble once more. He smiled at the sight of the blood on Ronin's cheek, commanding it away from the body of the teen. it floated away in small, red dropletts to encircle Elrick's hands.

Ronin took a gaping look at the man's palms, and saw that they had opening and closing holes. "What are you?" the youth asked.

"You are in trouble, young Ronin," Elrick of Red said, forming the drops together to form a small ball of red. "Whatever Kenjin sees in you, you now face the blood master."

He sent the ball flying, aiming at Ronin's eyes, before dashing up for a fist attack.

OoC: Basically, he can't control blood as well if it's in a body, but if it's out, it's all his.

OoC: That's a creative power. Creepy, but creative, lol.

BiC:

The ball of crimson sped at the thief. He had no choose but to sidestep it; trying to stop a flying liquid wouldn't work so well. He guessed that Elrick was trying to blind him with the blood and then attack him. The orb was closer. So close. But Ronin managed to dodge it in time...or so he thought. The blood ball swerved as he dodged and splattered in his eyes. He couldn't cry out, though, for immediately after, Elrick punched him right in the stomach knocking the air out of him. The boy dropped to his knees, gasping for air. His eyes showed nothing but crimson blood and burned as they moved.

"You have much to learn," the blood master stated, giving the boy some breathing room. Ronin gasped and coughed some more but managed to regain his footing.

I should have known that the ball would come even if I moved. He can control it so he can send it after me easily, the thief told himself. He had acted like a novice, thinking he could hurt Elrick with ease. But now, a lesson was learned and he wouldn't make the same mistake. It hurt too much to make again. I could probably get this blood off with my wind magic, Ronin figured and was about to until Notus interrupted.

Wait. He may use his powers to keep the blood in your eyes.

I can't fight blinded! And this stuff is burning. I don't know how much pain I can take, he protested. The liquid had started to seep into the crevasses around his eyeballs and was more painful than when it first hit.

Notus kept calm, You forget, boy, that I fight with no eyes everytime. It is not so challenging. Keep the blood; allow him to think you are blind. That will give us an advantage. And if he removes it, you will be able to see again.

The thief still had doubts, But there's still a problem, I can't fight without my eyes! I know you can but you're a demon and I'm a human.

You never seem to let me finish. Give me control of your eyes. I will 'see' for you. We may be different minds but we share the same body so let us use it together. Ronin was absolutely dumbstruck by Notus' proposal.

But, I thought you hated me?

Well, I certainly don't like you. But I would rather work together than lose to anyone. We cannot lose this one, we have to prove how powerful we are. Ronin thought for a second, then agreed.

But you can't take over my body, okay? he told the demon. He could feel a shred of disappointment from the demon but it was outweighted by elation to be in a battle this early. If Ronin's eyes had not been covered by crimson then perhaps Elrick could have seen the boy's iris change to a bright green. He hated the feeling of relinquishing control over to the demon, of having someone else control his body. But it wasn't bad this time and it was a whole new experience for Ronin. The whole area lit up as Notus 'opened' his demon eyes. Ronin was now able to see the elemental forces that made up the world. Each blade of grass had the element of nature coursing through it, more powerful than Ronin had ever though a piece of grass could have. The water was bright blue from the water element and the fishes in it were colored silver and green from both the life element and nature element. Trees were huge forms of elemental power. If one of them decided to attack Ronin would be done for, but there was no worry for that. And the whole picture was bathed in a red glow from the fire element that sunlight was made of. This...this is how you see!? the thief gasped.

Yes. Seeing the elemental makeup of the world is and effective way of seeing, Notus stated, enjoying the boy's amazement. But we have more important matters, he reminded, directing Ronin's gaze toward their opponent. Elrick was now a black and silvery form made of the darkness and life element.

Woah, Ronin said as he looked at the blood master. At first, the new sight discouraged the thief but not any longer. I think I might have an advantage. But just for another one... The boy's runes glowed green. "Yana," he said. A bright flash of pink, the wind element, gusted under the man's feet. Ronin saw him stumble and took his chance. He rushed at the blood master with both daggers ready. Out of the corner of his sight, he saw a brown form, a rock, rise in the air. It had two specks of a silver and black liquid, the blood of the warrior. It shot towards him but he called again, "Yana!" The wind pushed the rock off target, though Ronin was sure it would come right back. But he was swiftly nearing Elrick. The thief slashed with his daggers and Vaya clipped the blood master's arm as he dodged. Ronin quickly turned to Elrick, awaiting the next attack.

Elrick leapt away, feeling a dagger pierce his skin above his elbow. He grunted in annoyance that the child gained first blood instead of him. The boy will pay, he thought, reaching for the gigantic blade on his back.

But how could he see me? Elrick asked himself, removing the Bloodsword from his back. The red blade, stained with the blood of a million victims, glowed red as it was removed from its sheath, a leather holder that barely protected Elrick from the blade. Though I loathe this blade, I must use it, Elrick thought resigningly. This blade was the cause of his life's drastic change, but at least he could use the demonic weapon. He was the master.

The boy turned back to face him, a near impossible feat for an ordinary person. The child should not be able to see. The blood in the boy's eyes was preventing physical sight. Then Elrick remembered. The power I sensed in his blood.

He waved a hand, and allowed the blood to part from the child's eyes. It collected together in his hands as the little orb once again. Elrick braced his massive sword, easily five feet in length.

"I see you have more power than I expected," the Red told the child, sending the blood back into a hole in his palm, for later use. "No wonder the Encorna was eager to test you."

"I do okay," answered the child. He held the daggers in readyness for the gigantic sword.

"That will not be enough," Elrick told him, racing at amazing speeds thanks to his blood power, which gave him control over himself as well, including the speed he could move at, at limited intervals. He flipped above the child, bringing down his mighty blade.

Ronin moved fast, blocking the gigantic blade with his daggers. But Elrick pressed forth his attack, knowing that the boy's strength was weaker than his own.

Clang! Clang! The man's gigantic sword clashed against Ronin's two daggers. Each vibration rang through the weapons and down to his arms, weakening them with each hit. He's so strong! the boy thought as another swipe of the bloody sword sang with Vaya and Fujin. I thought I would be faster than him. Suddenly, Elrick raised the Bloodsword and brought it down to the thief's head. The crossed blades of Ronin stopped them halfway down but Elrick put all his strength into this cleave. Every second, the thief's block dropped lower and his arms grew weaker and weaker.

I can't hold him anymore, he cried. He broke the guard and dodged backwards but the blood master moved the sword to his right, cutting Ronin left upper arm. He smiled at the wound as blood ran down the boy's arm. But Ronin would not allow that satisfaction. With the wind magic he could use he evoked the Ether spell. His runes glowed as the cut mended together. Too bad it could replace lost blood.

Elrick looked curiously, "I see you can use healing magic."

"That's not all," the thief stated and cast the Tentarin spell. His feet levitated a few inches off the ground, eliminating the need to move his feet or the friction caused by running. "You increased your speed, so now I've increased mine." Maybe now I can have another advantage, he hoped as he rushed at Elrick. The blood master took a defencive posture with his demonic, blood-red sword. The weapon gave Ronin the shivers but Notus felt admiration for the sword, a sword that had wiped a million humans from this world.

Their weapons rang out again, the clash of a sword meeting daggers. But this time, Ronin had put Elrick on the defense. He moved swiftly, the short blades working to find a hole in the man's guards and strike. The Bloodsword, however, was much larger then expected and kept itself between Red's body and Ronin's steel. I can't keep making or taking such hits for much longer, the thief lamented.

Would you like me to take over, now? Notus innocently asked.

Not yet. I can last a little longer. Ronin felt the demon's annoyance at the boy's decision. He had learned to keep Notus contained as long as possible. When Ronin couldn't fight, Notus would have his turn.

Elrick continued on the defense, trying to tire the boy. His extensive training with his gigantic blade would assist his endurance where it was clear that Ronin still had long ways to go before reaching his full potential.

He held the flat edge with his left hand while still keeping his right one on the blade's edge. He whirled the blade in his hands, twirling it to block Ronin's increasing speed. With a grin, he flipped through two dagger strikes, and dug into the dirt hard with the blade's tip.

Ronin tried to stab Elrick, but the blood master felt for the blood that flowed through his veins, and manipulated his body to have them miss. Using the sword like a pole vault, the blood master leaped over the boy, taking the sword with him. As he landed behind the child, Ronin could only turn before Elrick swung at him with the sword's flat edge.

The boy felt the wind knocked out of him, and began to fly through the air as the sword connected with his gut.

The attack threw Ronin to the other side of the grove, gasping and wheezing for air. He couldn't seem to get up, the energy in his legs and arms was at a low point. "I can control any blood around me, including the blood that flows through your veins," Elrick said. So that's why my daggers missed, the thief realized. He had been able to get to his knees. I knew something felt weird when I attacked.

How dare he control us, Notus growled. Ronin wasn't too happy about it, either.

That's give him a huge advantage. If he can manipulate me so that I miss every time, I'll never even weaken him.

Allow me to fight. Such petty tricks would never work against my strength, the demon demanded.

No, the boy said, I can still fight.

Notus countered, You really think you can win or even hurt him? I know you don't like to give me control but if you at least want a chance... Ronin contemplated. He didn't like giving Notus control, he was too dangerous. The demon hardly thought twice about killing someone. But the more he thought about it, the more Ronin realized Notus was right. Besides, maybe letting him have control now, when the thief was still strong enough to contain him, was the best bet.

Okay. But if you start to go wild, I'll have you back here before you know what happened, he threatened.

Agreed. Ronin got back up on his feet.

"So it seems you've decided to continue our battle," the blood master commented.

"Not really," Ronin said, a smile on his face. Suddenly, his body became eveloped in a green light as Notus reconfigured their body. When the light faded, Notus was floating before Elrick. His skin was a sickly greenish-grey, his lower arms were swords, his head was devoid of any extention, and the only clothes he had was a hunter green cape that covered his whole body except his head. The world lit up as Notus looked at the elemental makeup of the world. He saw the black and silvery form that was the blood master take a step back and enjoyed the movement.

"Greetings. I am Notus, the demon of wind, he said, despite having no mouth, made a low bow, and stood straight again, And this is my fight, now.

OoC: Just one thing, I'd like to chose what spells Notus uses since he only has three castings per battle.

OoC: Of course, thank you for telling me that. Oh, I also read your earlier comment, yes he does have a unique power. I was up for nights thinking it up.

BiC:

"Fascinating," Elrick breathed, taking in his new opponent. A shorter warrior than Elrick, but still Elrick could feel tremendous force coming through the cloaked body. This must be why the Encorna wants him, Elrick thought. The power was strong but with practice there were few limits to what the beast Notus could do.

Aren't I? the wind demon answered, despite not having a mouth, the demon was still able to speak. You will not beat me, he told the blood master, before rushing up with his sword-arms. The being levitiated, complicating problems for the blood master.

He grabbed the Bloodsword with his hands, and resumed blockading himself against the demon's assault, though now with more difficulty owing to the new foe. This was the power I was sensing, Elrick thought, narrowly dodging a serious strike from the beast's left hand. I must up my game as well.

He felt the blood within him, but did not sense any from the wind demon Notus. That would make it harder for him, controlling his foe's blood was his best advantage. Now he would have to do things the hard way.

He flipped up, dodging the blows given by the piercing blades on Notus' lower arms. He blocked with the Bloodsword as well. Metal clashed with metal as both blades struck the red surface of the Bloodsword.

But Elrick did not tire, he was not a Knight for nothing. He had faced worse enemies than this wind demon.

Notus' blade arms clashed against the Bloodsword. He's strong for a human, the demon noticed. Even against a new opponent, against a new assult, he didn't seem to be tired. The wind demon had noticed that he had a large amount of endurance before when he had been lecturing Ronin but hadn't realized the scope of the blood master's amount. Still, I can wear him down. Notus had been pressing against the crimson sword much like the man had done against Ronin from above. If Elrick tried to move, the demon would be able to easily slice him, and the master knew that. "You're strong for a human, Elrick of Red," Notus told Elrick.

"Strong enough to beat you," he said.

The demon was amused by his proclamation. "We'll see about that." With that comment, Notus swiftly kicked Elrick on the side of his knee. His leg buckled and his guard faltered. Throwing the Bloodsword to the side, Notus rushed forward and used one of his sword-arms to cut Red's right arm. Then he turned to face his opponent. "How does it feel to have your own blood running freely?"

"I've delt with far worse than you," Elrick stated. He seemed to be ignoring the open wound on his arm.

Notus didn't doubt that. The power of blood that this man held was a crafty power. He had seen the master use it to animate nonliving objects, namely the stone against Ronin, and could only wonder what else this human could do. He was sure of one thing, it would be interesting.

Elrick dodged, using the blood that flowed through him to heighten his movements. The red liquid within him could always be used to increase his speed, for if he controlled the blood, he could control the speed of his movement.

Still, he stood little chance against Notus unarmed, so he felt the blood around him. This mus be the force that I felt, Elrick thought, taking in the beast fully. The monster was shorter than he was, but was floating a foot in midair, making it harder to damage him. Also, he felt no blood running through Notus' veins, meaning that Elrick had no control over his body movements. But there was blood on the blade of his sword, a million deaths had coated it with a red-like image that was the blood of the victims. Elrick's was there too, when he died, but now was not the time for such things.

The hilt of the sword flew into his hands with just enough time to block another spiraling sword strike. Grinning, the blood master levitated himself to the same level as the wind demon. "So, now I think we're even," Elrick muttered, raising the sword's blade.

The beast's eye, or its head at least, simply seemed to say We shall see. Elrick raised a hand, and called him out by waving his hand towards himself.

Impressive, Notus commented as Elrick rose a foot into the air, putting him level with the demon. I wonder how he can do that. He has no magic, save for the control of blood... Perhaps manipulating his own blood can give him that ability. No matter, he shrugged. The blood master made a few weaving movements in the air, testing the mobility of his levitation. “So, now I think we’re even,” Elrick muttered. Notus laughed inwardly. A mere human would never be even with me, said the arrogant wind demon. The man then held out his hand and made a waving motion, beckoning Notus to attack. If the wind master had a mouth, it would’ve been curved in a large smile. Let’s see if he’s really that fast.

Notus rushed towards the knight, the grass beneath not even showing that something was moving. He held his sword-arms crossed in front, ready to connect with the Bloodsword. But as he approached Elrick, the demon suddenly stopped completely. “Canae,” he hissed. The blood master, absorbed in Notus’ attack, failed to notice the accumulation of wind magic around him until Notus was ready to unleash the spell. Without his feet planted firmly on the ground, Elrick had no leverage to counter the spell and the rush of wind from under him forced him into a somersault. The demon didn’t attack with his blades but instead kicked the human to the ground and knocked away the crimson sword. “The air is my realm, human. You should remember that,” Notus said proudly.

“You think I’ve been trying my hardest?” Elrick of Red asked. He climbed to his feet like he had never been harmed and called his sword back to his hand. “It will take far more to defeat me. You haven’t earned anything yet.”

Notus then remembered the whole reason of this fight. To join the knights that Kenjin the Encorna created. The demon wasn’t sure if he really wanted that but he knew that this fight was getting good. He wouldn’t stop now.

Elrick took another defensive position, “Do your worse.” Notus admired this human. To stand up to the wind demon was a feat, but it would end soon. The demon rushed at the blood master again and again their blades clashed to together. Notus tried to pull away his sword-arms to attack but they budge from their connection with Elrick’s sword.

“What?” was all the demon could say.

Elrick smiled, “You have my blood on your blades.” He’s controlling my swords with the blood on them! He was astonished by the cleverness of this human. He had managed to outwit Notus. Then, the demon noted that two brown forms rose up on either side of him, level with his head. The rocks had black and silver spots on them, the blood of Elrick. He’s using that simple trick again. But if I can’t defend myself... Two rocks to the head would definitely not feel good. “You won’t leave this skirmish unscathed,” the blood master announced. The two stones then plummeted towards his head. Despite the knowledge that he couldn’t move his arms, Notus still tried to block them. Elrick released his bloody grip and allowed the demon to do so, creating a huge opportunity. For when the demon smacked away both rocks, he had left his whole body open for an attack, an opening that the blood master took. Pulling back the Bloodsword, Elrick thrust it fully through Notus’ stomach.

Notus growled at the pain. This human thinks he can defeat me!? he raged. The demon wanted revenge and obtained it by stabbing Elrick through his shoulders while he was still impaled on the crimson sword. The blood master shouted in pain, something the demon dearly enjoyed. Yes, let this pitiful man feel pain, Notus thought and began to twist is swords.

NOTUS! STOP! Ronin thundered inside the demon’s head. Before he knew it, Notus had pulled out his swords and they were hanging at his side. The wind master hated to be interrupted by that child. Seizing another chance, Elrick pulled out his Bloodsword by taking through the demon’s left side. That caused Notus to cry out in pain and he glided away from the blood master.

Stupid human, the demon thought bitterly then hissed, “Aether.” Instantly, the demon’s wounds closed and mended together. He looked at the blood that dripped off his sword-arms. The sticky, red liquid felt wonderful on his weapons. It was a clear reminder that, even though he had died, he really was alive again. But another voice wasn’t too happy.

How could you do that? the thief quaked, barely containing his rage.

He’ll survive. With his power over blood, surely he can keep it from flowing out of him, Notus devishly thought. He could then feel the boy’s anger rising. Unless he did something, he would be on the side lines, watching the boy fight again. When the battle is over, I’ll heal him, the wind demon quickly negotiated. That did little to quell Ronin.

Assuming he survives that long! the boy yelled. Notus looked back to Elrick. Although blood was running from the two new wounds, he still held his crimson sword. Despite the pain on his face, the blood master wouldn’t give up.

Stubborn human.

OoC: If you don't like how that when, you can PM me and I'll change it.

OoC: No, that was okay.

BiC:

Elrick felt pain as the blades ripped through his shoulders, but gritted through it. He wasn't thinking anymore, relying solely on his instincts. He cried out as he tore through the beast's body to remove the Bloodsword, but the wind demon floated away. It muttered a word Elrick did not know, and healed itself.

My attack was for nothing, he thought, calling on his blood to remain inside his body. Then he remembered where he had seen the monster before. In the time before he died, he heard of Notus, and knew his weakness. Perhaps it wasn't for nothing.

Elrick laughed, holding the Bloodsword in his hand. The blood on his shoulders was maintaining, but he knew that Notus was now at the disadvantage.

Do you find your own death something to laugh about? Notus asked, preparing his swords.

"No, but I remember something now," Elrick answered. "I remember you, and all your terrible power. I also remember that while you have great strength, you have a limit. While my power lies in blood, your can only be used thrice before you lose your magic. You have used magic two times, giving me the edge."

His massive amounts of energy were going to prevail, he had been damaged, but it was only flesh wounds. He could handle them, but Notus could not replace the magic he had envoked. It was time.

Elrick raised himself back into the air, relying on the blood. He always found it ironic that he detested his powers, but always needed to use them. They are divided, Elrick noted, seeing a mild argument going on inside Notus' mind, judging from how he was talking to himself. I am not only fighting Notus, but Ronin as well. As long as they are divided, they will always lose. That is the lesson Kenjin wishes to teach them.

"A team divided cannot stand together," Elrick told the demon. "As long as you fight with your other half, you will never defeat me."

The other warrior heard the words, and bellowed in anger, rushing towards him in a sea of hate. But the blood was stil on his blades, Elrick slowed them down as he flew higher in midair. Forcing Notus' blades to stop had a second effect as well, one Elrick was hoping for.

While Notus did not have control over the movement of his weapons, he could not move.

"Blood Bath!" Elrick roared, opening the holes in his hands, releasing the Bloodsword from his own grasp as blood fell like rain onto the wind demon, soaking him with the foul-smelling liquid.

"Now who's in trouble?" Elrick asked. Now that Notus was covered in blood, he would be completely under Elrick's control.

Though Notus enjoyed seeing human blood pour over the ground, his own hand being the cause, having it poured on him wasn’t to his liking. The black and silver liquid stuck to him like honey, no matter how his moved, the darkened blood would not come off. He looked at the human, who was swaying a tad from the loss of blood. What does he hope to accomplish by this? He’s about ready to faint, the demon commented. Then an amusing thought came to him. Does he really expect to control my with his blood? I am fully healed and he is now weakened. He floated around the blood master, taking in the human’s form. “Your plan will not work,” the wind demon stated.

“You think not. Then come, try to attack me,” Elrick taunted.

Notus was amused, “So be it.” He charged at the man, eager to add even more blood to his now almost crimson form. Elrick the Red stood calmly, not even trying to dodge Notus’ attack. The demon was almost at the human, ready to slice right through the fragile flesh. But Elrick held out his hand to the wind master, one of the holes completely open, and Notus stopped in mid-air. The demon was stunned. He struggled, roared, and fought to move but couldn’t do so, not even an inch.

“You are completely under my control now, Notus,” the blood master stated. “I could have you do anything I want,” with this one of Notus’ blades came to his neck “even cut through your own throat.”

I cannot lose! Not this easily! the demon cried. He pushed all of his will against the master’s control but couldn’t budge it.

“As I said before, you will never win a battle until your two sides work together.”

Notus cursed at the human, “I do not need that boy’s help to fight! I am the wind demon, Notus! I am strong enough!”

Elrick sighed disappointedly, “Then you do not belong with us knights.” He flung Notus’ body to the side. “I have no need to fight you anymore. I’ve already won this little match.”

“You haven’t won yet, human!” the wind demon bellowed and charged again. But like before, the knight simply stopped him in the air.

The blood master’s eyes lit with anger, “When will you realize it’s over?” He focused his power over Notus’ felt blade. Applying a huge amount of pressure to the sword, he crushed it into an unusable shape. Notus screamed in pain and drooped to the ground.

Have I really lost to a human? he lamented. Not only was he broken but so was his pride. The only one I ever lost to was a foul cleric, and she had to sacrifice her life to do so. But him, the demon glared at Elrick, He can literally lift a finger and kill me. Have I really lost so much power?

As Ronin listened to Notus’ pain, he couldn’t help but to feel sorry for the monster. Give me back control, Notus. The demon didn’t even resist. A green glow covered their body, reverting it back to the thief’s. Like Notus, Ronin was also covered in blood. It matted his hair and soak into his clothes. It smelt awful, too.

“So, the demon has given up?” Elrick asked, “Do you wish to continue, Ronin?” The boy thought about it for a second. With the man’s blood all over, Elrick could easily incapacitate him. Would his wind magic be able to blow it off? No, it was already soaked into him. He’d have to strip to get rid of all of it. And the stream? No, it wasn’t deep enough. Not to mention the blood master would be able to stop him before he got to it. Ronin pondered deeply, Is there any other way? Then a desperate idea came to mind. Notus? he called. The demon had retreated deeply into the boy’s mind and was ignoring the call. Notus! NOTUS! Ronin finally had to bellow.

What? he asked irritably.

If we both fought against Elrick’s will, would we be able to get through his blood control?

Why are you asking me?

Ronin had never heard the demon so discourage, and it was annoying. Look, are you that much of a wimp? He said we’d never win if we didn’t work together, so let’s prove him wrong.

Notus growled, I am not a wimp. But I couldn’t even break his grip in full strength what makes you think-

I don’t care how strong you are. Will you help me or not?

Fine, the wind master agreed.

Ronin focused back to Elrick, “Yes.” Brandishing Vaya and Fujin, he dashed towards the man. The blood master raised his hand and the thief stopped in mid-attack. But now both Ronin and Notus fought against his control. We have to break throught!

Elrick felt his powers beginning to weaken. He had been almost certain that Notus would not return control to the child Ronin, blinded by pride. It seems he was wrong.

He had emptied a large amount of blood onto the warrior, but he held on to just enough to keep himself from fainting. It was coming close to the finish, Elrick had weakened himself to drop down to Ronin's level, so as to make it fairer. But now both warriors were trying to defy his weakening willpower, draining him of his stamina. He could not fight as well as before, his sword was beginning to feel heavy.

Ronin and Notus were bellowing in rage, right near the blood master's body. But he could not break the master's spell, or at least not the way he wanted. The blade was coming closer and closer to Elrick.

"ARRRGGGG!!!!" Ronin raged. grunting past Elrick's spell. With the tremendous force of Notus behind him, he broke through the spell and sliced at Elrick, who hurried to block the blows now thrown at him, before delivering a punch to the boy that still sent him flying.

"So," Elrick panted, his chest heaving, "it seems you have learned the lesson you were brought here to learn. You have the strength to bypass my blood control." He grinned, opening the holes in his hands as the blood on Ronin's skin returned to the blood master, color returning to his face. "My blood on your body is useless now.

"Now that you have learned this lesson," Elrick said with increasing strength, "I can fight you at your full power." Wielding the Bloodsword, he charged, slashing at Ronin's body, aiming for the kill.

I must push him, Elrick thought, as the two daggers came up with more force. Or else all this will be a waste of my time.

Ready, Notus? Ronin asked as the blood master charged upon them.

Yes. For the first time in both their lives, they were working together. And they would need it, for Elrick came with more force than when he was at full power. The Bloodsword clashed against Vaya and Fujin, the blades ringing in defiant harmony. “Yaaaah!” the thief yelled at the knight, slashing with all his might against the crimson sword. Ronin had never felt this way. He had always detested fighting, mainly because he was scared of Notus killing anymore innocents. But now the two were battling together, and boy finally felt complete.

Not to be outdone, Elrick smashed against the daggers’ defense with his sword. The heavy blows would have weakened the thief’s arms to the point were he couldn’t use them, but the wind demon lent his strength to Ronin’s arms. To his whole body. We may not win, Notus stated, But Elrick will not have an easy time stopping us! Ronin agreed. The two fighters back off for only a second and the thief cast the Tentarin spell. Seeing his opponent’s advantage, the blood master manipulated his blood to float above the ground, also. Now they blazed at each other. Their swords met for only a split second, they backed off, then came again. The warriors’ speed was amazing. Ronin flew towards Elrick. The blood master readied a horizontal swing and Notus saw it. Telling the thief, Ronin dove to the ground and slid all the way through Elrick’s legs, pushed by the force behind his flight.

“You will not escape my sword so easily!” the man cried. In a flash, he had turned and brought the sword down upon Ronin. The weight of the Bloodsword was immense, the gleaming red stain of the it shone upon the boy’s face. The thief would have been cleaved if it weren’t for Notus.

Ronin’s eye glowed bright green. "Just try,” both wind warriors said. The wind runes accompanied with a glow and they cried out “Yana!” A gust of wind blew beneath the blood master’s feet and unbalanced him enough to release some pressure off Ronin, allowing him to escape. The thief rolled over and leaped to his feet. Then he attacked with a spiral attack, jumping up with one dagger and coming down with another. Elrick blocked both and charged with powerful swings of the crimson sword. As one swing clanged against the daggers, the blood master swung out his leg to trip Ronin. The agile thief jumped and Elrick aimed his sword at Ronin’s side. He managed to partially block the blow with Fujin, but the total force send the boy across the field. Doing a quick frontal flip, Ronin landed on all fours and quickly dashed backwards. If he hadn’t the Bloodsword would have impaled him into the ground. Heaving his gigantic sword from out of the moist dirt, Elrick managed to barely block the furious daggar blows. Both fighters danced across Meditation Grove, Ronin’s a dance of speed while Elrick’s was a dance of power.

They fought their way over to the running stream, a calm piece of nature amidst the ferocious duel. Ronin back flipped over it, not wanting to lose balance in the cool water. Elrick, however, leaped right over and beared down upon the younger fighter with the bloody blade. Elrick’s blue eyes made contact with Ronin’s green eyes. Neither said anything, there was nothing to be said. One would win this fight...and the other would lose.

Elrick's opponents had learned. The blood master realized that his blood magic would not stop them from attacking, Notus was keeping Ronin from falling prey to the blood within his own body with the will of his mind. The strength radiating between the two opponents was growing stronger, but Elrick still had a few tricks up his sleeve.

The wounds on his shoulders were cloated, the blood had hardened, though it could break easily, so he therefore was becoming more cautious of himself. His blood back inside him was renewing his strength, for even when the blood master's stamina ran out, he could manipulate his own body to continue the fight. For now though, he could continue.

"You have grown stronger, now that you are fighting together," Elrick stated, carefully prowling into the waters of the stream. The ice cold water did not send shivers up his spine, he was far too used to the cold weather. "Do you understand that when you are together, your strength will increase?"

The warrior did not answered verbally, but instead gave a nod that showed he did.

"You might not realize this, but you have learned much from this duel," Elrick told them, pointing the Bloodsword upwards. "As have I. Your trail will soon be over, then you will be judged by the Knights."

"Bring it on," the youth responded, before charging into the water at him.

The blades clashed again, ringing through the grove where they fought. But now, whenever Ronin spoke, Elrick could hear Notus' voice speaking too. The blood master had done what Kenjin knew he could do, and showed them the way to true power.

Elrick blocked, using the massive frame of his sword to belay the strings of attacks. While doing so, he sent a tiny drop of his blood into the water, where it quickly dispersed into the blue water. It wormed its way through the water, not giving a sign at its intrusion, save for the fact that the water was turning black to Notus.

Tidal waves began to surge along the warriors' feet, pulsating as the fierce duel continued. Elrick's blood had done its job, sending waves after the boy, pushing him away. Parts of the waves separated to allow Elrick room, but then combined again to assault Ronin.

The battle was drawing near to its close.

OoC: Well, that was fun. I have decided that you will post once more, then I shall finish the battle. It will be then that I will summon the other Knights to deliver their scores of your preformance. Felt like keeping the battle length to twenty posts.

Boy, the water, Notus mentioned.

What about it? the thief asked, barely managing to block a blow. Since the demon was slightly distracted, he wasn’t giving his full strength to Ronin.

It is turning black. Elrick of Red has released his blood into it. We must be ready for now the stream is now in his control.

What?! Ronin questioned. He knew that Elrick could control many different thing with his blood, but water? Wouldn’t the stream just wash away the tainted blood?

Suddenly, the knight barreled down on the wind warriors with his Bloodsword, “Keep your mind on the battle.” Their two weapons kept clashing, neither seeming to slow down. The water was cold to Ronin’s feet though it felt wonderful. The coolness seemed to wash away the stress that this battle had put on him. The boy then rushed up to the blood master and was about to deliver another chain of attacks until a wave swept over his legs, almost unbalancing him. The man charged and with the crimson sword and attacked again. This time, Ronin was on the defensive, blocking powerful blows with nothing but his daggers. He tried to take a step backwards, but the water convulsed, making it too dangerous to move. “Having trouble fighting in water?” Elrick asked, knowing full well the answer. He backed away to observe.

"Why don’t you duel me on an even scale?” the two warriors taunted.

“It’s two against one,” the blood master stated. Neither had a comeback for that one, Ronin and Notus did have an advantage there. Another wave sloshed over the boy’s legs. The water kept rolling, each wave getting slightly higher than the last. Then the two decided, they had to get out of the stream. But as Ronin ran for one of the banks, a wave that reached his chest bowled over him, knocking him into the cool, running water. The manipulated liquid then spread away from the wind warriors, allowing them to stand up. It wove in a circle around them, but now it seemed the waves had reached their full height, up to Ronin’s chest. “Surely you have more than this,” Elrick said from behind the watery curtain.

“Of course,” they replied. Ronin cast his Tentarin spell again and glided to the wavy, blue wall, hoping to break through. The water congregated together and crashed down onto the boy. His knees slammed into the rocky bottom, drawing a few drops of blood. Both knew that any blood drawn would give even more of an advantage to Elrick, so the thief cast his healing spell, Ether. The scrapes mended and closed. But another wave beat against them, keeping Ronin on his knees. One waved hit his face as he breathed in, causing him to sputter out water. He wouldn’t be able to move if the water kept on like this. Ronin looked up at Elrick, who was ready his sword. He’s going to attack!

Then Notus thought of an idea, I have one spell left and it would get this water away from us long enough to stand up. But I don’t know the consequences of using the spell with your body.

As long as you’re strong enough, I should be fine, Ronin said, though he really didn’t know what would happen, either. The demon sighed, knowing that the boy didn’t know.

Whatever, the wind demon replied and readied the spell. He compressed the air around Ronin’s body, forming a barrier that the water couldn’t get through. Then, Notus shaped the air into dagger-like projectiles, again allowing water through. But that didn’t faze the boy now, wrapped up in the demon’s spell casting. Finally, they shouted, “Sesso!” and the wind daggers shot out in all directions, even towards the blood master. Their force pushed the water away, letting Ronin get a clear charge at Elrick. He ran with Vaya and Fujin raised, and Notus behind him.

OoC: You're characters are pretty strong. Have you ever lost a battle? And twenty posts is the longest one-on-one battle I've had. I was super fun, too.

OoC: I have lost a combined total of 1 battle, in which I was beaten by my good friend and rival Scoria. Out of all the fights here, all ten of them . But I am in no ways one of the best fighters.

BiC:

"Sesso!" both of Elrick's foes called out together. Elrick stood in wonder as the wind around the child transformed into solid mass, forming into a sharp dagger. Then more appeared, and more, until the whole air area around Ronin became filled with daggers, all pointed at Elrick. "Take this!" they shouted, as all the water was parted to allow the blades through, directly at Elrick.

Daggers of winds? Elrick asked himself, though he knew exactly how to block it.

Raising a opened hole in his left hand, he began to flow blood in a dome-shape, encasing him in the fluid. Though it was draining him, he knew what he was doing. Soon, Elrick's form was replaced by the dome of blood surrounding him. Just as the daggers made contact, he flexed his muscles, forcing the blood to harden into a tough, scab-like appearence.

The daggers hit directly, not one missed their mark. As Ronin charged through the water, raising his real daggers, but stopped short of his goal, after seeing what Elrcik had done.

There were chips in the dome, but the shield held on. With a sigh from its confines, the red colored dome began to return to its liquid state, then it crawled its way back into the hole in Elrick's hand. Ronin just stared, before Notus jerked him back to life.

"H-how?" Ronin stammered, just standing there, but keeping his hands on the daggers.

"Blood has many uses," Elrick responded, as the last of his blood returned to him. "It heals the body and fights off disease. It treats infection and blocks it as well. My blood is just a powerful spell that I can call upon whenever I wish, though I destest my powers."

"Then why do you use them?" Ronin asked.

"Because I have to," Elrick said simply. "Just as you learned that in order to win, you must work with Notus, together and united. But now that doesn't matter, because you are going to lose."

"I'm not done yet," Ronin replied, snapping out of the spell of confusion he was under.

"Yes," Elrick muttered. "You are, you have used the last advantage you have. With that last spell you have sealed your loss. Notus no longer has any magical power, your best strength."

The boy and the demon shouted, and charged. Elrick sighed, he knew it was over for them. He withdrew himself from the water, before regaining the drop of blood he had placed in the water. The swords clashed again, but this time they were back where they had started, for Notus was losing the power needed to keep Ronin's attacks from having the force needed to take Elrick head on.

Ronin was starting to doubt himself as his felt the power of Notus grow less and less, as the magical power that had previously been used to increase Ronin's strength had been spent, and had not been spent well at that. Elrick's attacks were gaining more force at the same time to the boy.

Finally, Ronin was down to the last of his strength, but still kept fighting, using reserves of energy he did not even know he had before then. But Elrick remained as powerful as ever, and drove the child into the waterfall's side, forcing him into one place, and refusing to allow him to move.

One dagger was twisted from his grip by a swift move from the Bloodsword, shortly followed by the other. At that point though, Elrick thought the boy might drop the daggers out of exhaustion. He threw out his sword, aiming the tip at the boy's chest.

Ronin prepared for death, as the red blade came towards him. With no way to protect himself, he was too tired to dodge it. He shut his eyes waiting for the blade, but death did not come. Confused, Ronin opened his eyes to see that the sword was placed right next to the boy's heart, but was not touching his skin.

"That will do," Elrick muttered, sheathing the massive blade on his back. Holding out both hands, the bloodstained daggers flew out to him, and the blood master handed them to Ronin. "You are finished."

"What?" Ronin and Notus asked together.

"You have lost," Elrick answered. "The battle is over. You will now be judged by the other Knights, who have been watching your fight."

"They have?" the boy looked around to see figures around them that he hadn't seen before.

A gigantic lizard was standing right next to the Encorna, the strongest of the Knights. The lizard was weaker than Kenjin, but was also one of their most powerful members.

They were standing on the waterfall, while within the trees, three figures were emerging, three girls. One was a mage, another a gunner, and a third an essence of fire.

Two more members were far more different. One, a robot, was standing inside the waterfall's entrance. Wipers emerged from his eyes to wipe them off as the liquid fell on his steel form. Another was clothed in armor that seethed with dark power.

The final member was standing aways from the group, a man wearing black all over, even his face was shrouded. He walked over to the boy, as did the others. Elrick stood next to the child, who was growing very imtimidated by the powerful figures before him.

"Ronin, these are the Knights," Elrick told him. "Kenjin the Encorna, Chronos, Tuariv Knil, Dark, Sirius, Essence, Twilight, and Kika. The eight other Knights who will decide your fate."

Kenjin looked down on the child, they had made their desision on him and the demon he carried within him. "Ronin Ako, and Notus, Demon of Wind, we have decided that you...."

"Stop being so dramatic Kenjin," Tuariv told the Encorna. "Just tell him the truth."

Ronin's stomach was starting to jump, as he looked up at the two gigantic fighters.

"Very well then," Kenjin replied, taking from his tunic a small medallion. It was a simple piece of silver, hammered into the shape of a sword. It dangled from a chain of pure silver. "Ronin Ako and Notus, Demon of Wind, we welcome you to the Order of the Knights. Do you accept this medallion, the symbol of your success?"

The boy looked at the silver in Kenjin's hand, before taking it and placing it along his neck. "I do."

The Encorna smiled, something he did very little of when not battling. "That medallion allows you to call upon us in times of need. As long as you keep it close, you are never far away from a Knight. It has a powerful force inside it, which will reveal itself one day when you are strong enough. Power will radiate and grant you something."

"What is it?" Ronin asked, looking down at his medallion.

"Even I do not know some things," Kenjin answered, "but for now know that you are one of us. It is your task to help those where help cannot be found. You must remain nuetral, for even the Knights know that to be good you must also have some evil in themselves."

"Enough with the speech Kenjin," the robot Dark muttered. "Let's simply leave, the boy can reach us now if he needs us."

Kenjin nodded, and the Knights left the grove. All except Elrick, who remained until the others had departed for their separate homes. Many went to the Dome, while others chose other paths.

"What now?" Ronin asked.

"Call for us, should you ever need help. There is always a good chance that we will come, if one of us is near." The blood master smiled, before leaving the grove to continue his travels.

And so the Trial ended, and Ronin gained nine other Knights as friends. Ronin and Notus were admitted as full Knights, so that Kenjin could allow their skills to develope. All of them thought that Ronin fought well against one of the group's strongest members, even though he lost.

But Elrick knew that losing was not all there was to a battle, and so did all the others. Knowing that Ronin and Notus had learned that their full potential was found in working together was enough to allow them in.

Ronin was now a Knight.

OoC: Rather corny I know. I will contact you soon with a tag request.