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Post by Ion on Sept 7, 2009 10:57:41 GMT -8
Combatants: Ion -vs- Void
Battle Type: Single Judge
Story-Version Advantage: No
Length: 6 Posts per Person - 12 Total. Intro Posts Not Included
Judge: Salem
A warm breeze played amongst the gently swaying elders of the forest. Each bamboo spire leaning to and fro waving endlessly to one another. Deep within the heart of this bamboo jungle a lone figure wandered silently and calmly through the supple green plants. Holding himself upright in a very well postured position, the white haired navi stood out in stark contrast to all the greenery surrounding him. His sky blue eyes reflected the endless array of bamboo and with a cool gaze upwards, noticed the plentiful shafts of light breaking through the upper canopy and spreading a soft yellowing light over the forest floor. Drawing a gauntlet laden hand along the shaft of a towering bamboo in amazement at the sheer self-supporting size it reached. This forest was very old, and very special. Few knew of its history but those who knew it, felt reverence and awe for the ancient blood that flowed so freely through the ground.
Gazing through the ever present green swath of bamboo, a new color stood out for its sheer difference in the heart of the forest. Knowing intuitively that he had stumbled onto one of the most terrible and most beautiful places in this network, Ion couldn't help but feel drawn to it. At the very heart of the forest lay a small patch known as the Blood Bamboo. The light red color that stained the bamboo coupled with the deep crimson veins that ran the entire length of each bamboo plant, were nature's living memorial to the warriors who had fallen with the Rider of the Apocalypse.
Hundreds of years ago, thousands navi's gave their lives in brutal combat for their freedom. Navi's from across the networks rose up in protest and rebellion against a great titan formed from the darkest intentions of each navi. Born of sin and putrid evil, this manifestation of intent took on the heralded form of a mounted samurai. Known then as one of the Rider's of the Apocalypse, he waged war not only on the kind and generous but on all navi's. Those who's terrible intent's formed him and the innocent were all equal in his eyes. All mere insects to be slaughtered. The thousands of navi's who never left this area, never able to be resurrected, never able to walk with those they loved, were remembered by each bamboo stalk that sprouted from this forest. The forest sprawled over the fallen navi's as nature's very own grave markers. Yet at its heart, where the Blood Bamboo thrive was where the Rider of the Apocalypse finally fell. Thousands of navi's were slain at the blade of this Rider but by some miracle, by some redeeming hand, the navi born of all the world's evil was destroyed. This small patch stood as a testimony for all navi's, a reminder of what had occurred and most importantly a symbol for the freedom that had been won that day.
Ion was filled with utter awe as mixed emotions whirled through his own mind. Having been one to have experienced the bittersweet taste of victory against a titan, his own memories came back in terrible, yet beautiful vividness. Unlike the scarred land that now graced the Galaxy Network, this area had revitalized itself and seemed to grow from the experience it had encountered.
Strangely enough, it has been a long running tradition that if two navi's of equal ability and skill meet in this forest they ought to demonstrate their skills. To act as a living memorial to those who never rose again, and as a test to show the spirits of the navi's that the future generation has not grown lax and lazy in their hard won freedom.
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Post by Shinn the Failedge on Sept 7, 2009 16:31:26 GMT -8
[Nicely done Ion o.o.]
Weaving through the bamboo was a black clad figure, moving slowly as his feet touch upon the ground soundlessly. A hood shrouds his face as he gazes around the area, slightly mesmerized by the sight. His bandaged left arm raises up, almost hesitantly, as he touches one of the bamboos nearby. He allows his fingers to briefly touch it ever so softly, before drawing his hand back and taking off his hood. The wind flowing through gently moved his hair, as he turned, showing off his crimson eyes as they continued to roam over the area. He had learned the history of this place from someone who he had clashed swords with before. Such a tale... was both inspiring as well as depressing to him. He closed his eyes, taking a moment of silence in remembrance of those who had fallen, letting the only sound to be heard in the area to be that of the wind. Opening his eyes, he continues on with walking, feeling a strange pull coming from the direction he was headed in.
He took a glance upwards, before shielding his eyes at the rays of light breaking through from the top, as he wondered at how such a place could grow to this sight, considering its history. 'A seed planted in the darkest of miasma can grow to blossom into a beautiful flower'...[/color] He had heard the quote before, and could not help feel that it pertained most to this place.
He blinked as he came to the center of the thicket, catching sign of a strange contrast from the green he had been seeing throughout the area; a small patch, dyed red, giving for quite a view as it stood out amongst all the green. The stain of blood had set deep, affecting this part of the forest to such an extent. Something else also caught his attention; or rather, someone. A white haired Navi stood nearby. Void certainly hadn't expected to run into anyone else while wandering this plane. But, since he had...
The dual wielding swordsman placed himself in front of the other's vision. He drew his one of his blades, the sharp sound of its unsheathing a strange comfort to the Navi. He held the white blade before him, his crimson gaze locking with the one who he didn't know, yet felt obligated to fight. "...Void..."[/color] the simple word of introduction falls from his lips. To make his intent known, and get his opponent to be on the ready, he held a hand forward to make the first attack. Shadows spiraled around, before a wave erupts forth and flies towards Ion in a 'V' shape.
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Post by Ion on Sept 10, 2009 21:02:24 GMT -8
((OOC: Whew, that was quick! Alright Battle Begin I guess ^__^ ))
In a single moment, the fraction of a second between a blink, Void's brilliant eyes filled Ion's vision. Noticing the ragged array of his hair and the white bandages that graced his left arm as though he were merely another facet of this awe inspiring landscape, Ion instinctively knew what must be done. He felt it. Deep within his chest a distinctive throb behind his heart, a soulful acceptance of what was to come and what must be done. Even before Void's soft introduction filled the air, perfectly matching the gentle swaying cadence of the waving bamboo, Ion knew that they would fight; and that very act would be the homage, the truest tribute to these fallen navi's.
As Void raised his arm, Ion's body had already tensed anticipating an action that was only confirmed seconds later by the suddenly gathering shadows. As the inky blacks and purples swirled in a chaotic inferno of power, Ion had still not moved. It was only as the wave took on the form of a V and erupted forward that Ion sprang straight up into the air preforming an aerial. In an acrobatic technique reminiscent of a cartwheel with no hands. Ion's head swung very low and barely fit through the gap in the V-wave. Eyes still locked on Void even as his body flew through the air upside down, Ion landed the aerial in a defensive position with both legs flexed for instant action. His very body seemed to be a spring winding itself tighter and tighter until it would be released with ferocious intensity.
Blinking his eyes and allowing them to remain closed for a moment longer than normal, Ion felt a calm acceptance wash over his body and mind. Despite this his body remained coiled like a cobra ready to strike, Ion nodded to Void and also introduced himself in a single syllable, "Ion." For these two fighters, born into strength and marked forever by their pursuit of power, a single syllable was all that was needed, all that was wanted for their greetings.
Though Ion did not waste time on such thoughts. The moment his name was carried away on the ever winding currents of air Ion struck. Without regard for the drawn blade Ion snaked forward, curving his body along the thick part of the blade, attempting to deal two rapid punches towards Void's collar bone and lower neck. Using all the momentum he had gained from his lunge, he spun around Void's side quickly placing his back to the Blood Bamboo. Bringing both hands up in a rapid motion, large marble-sized orbs of energy rose from the ground. Nine rose in unison from the moss laden ground before condensing into normal marble sized orbs. Each pulsating with an inner energy indicative of their power, their slightly azure tinged light reflected an ominous crimson glow across Ion's primarily white body. Drawing both hands towards Void as though directing the flow of a small stream, the nine orbs ripped through the air aiming for Void's vitals and limbs alike. With pinpoint accuracy each shot forward, each blazing particle intent on pure, uninhibited movement.
Sinking into a seasoned fighter's defensive position with his back flush to the crimson veined bamboo, Ion's brought his two aura enshrouded hands up before him. Unknown previously to Void, the aura coated punches would deal a great amount more damage than a simple punch would. By design they were malleable and naturally formed a protective barrier over Ion's hands, yet the most dangerous part of these hands was not the considerable force behind them. It was the wire thin emerald lines that constantly fluctuated across their surface, the bug element that infected even the most experienced fighters.
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Post by Shinn the Failedge on Sept 14, 2009 16:37:19 GMT -8
The swordsman locked gazes with Ion, wondering what he would do, as a subtle pulsing came from within. It was a sensation Void hadn't felt in a long time, though he couldn't say he was too surprised that it arose in such a situation. This was the feeling that he had missed; pure, simple enjoyment. It was a perfect thing, as the two would commence their deadly waltz, each step a commemorative of the departed. He felt his lips twitch, as they attempted to curl. Watching, impressed by Ion's acrobatics, Void knew he would not be disappointed. With that respect, he knew that he could give this battle no less than everything he had; to do otherwise would be disrespectful to all parties involved. As the other Navi landed, Void tensed his body, the pulsation echoing to a dull roar, as the single, pristine white blade being lifted into a defensive position as its wielder watched and waited, anticipating the next move with bated breathe.
And as Ion gave his name, lashing forth at Void, the crimson-eyed Navi could not contain the small smile from gracing his face, from allowing this flash of emotion, as he quickly stepped back, pushing off on his right foot to narrowly avoid the incoming strikes. Turning the back step into a flip, curving his back as he landed upside down, he elevated himself off of his free hand, spinning as he skidded to a stop a few feet away from Ion. As quickly as that smile came to his face, it faded away, as Void readied himself. Closing his eyes, granting them a short moment of rest, he held his sword before him, as Ion prepared his attack. Exhaling once, his eyes snapped open, the crimson orbs blazing brightly, as the orbs came into existence and trained themselves upon his position. A film of smoke arose from where Void was, shrouding his figure. A few seconds pass, before a thin blade shoots from the cloud towards Ion, trying to skewer his leg, and a small whirlwind blows the smoke away. Void stands tall, his right shoulder slightly singed by one of the orbs, as the arm covered in bandages seems to have shadows wrapping around it before disappearing entirely. Now floating around Void was a small array of blades, totaling a number of seven. Concentrating his eyes on Ion once more, he was surprised at the aura enveloping his opponent's hand. He would have to be cautious of those, he thought, as he rocketed forth with his blades at the ready, dipping low as he moved.
Before nearing Ion, he leapt into the air, slipping into a somersault as three of the blades around him erupted forth, shooting forward from behind him as Void ducked, converging on three of Ion's vital areas. A blade engraved itself in the ground, serving as a footing for Void to land on briefly, stepping on it with one of his feet, before pushing off, continuing on his way towards Ion. He performed a horizontal slash with the katana in his hand, before taking hold of one of the floating blades and turning his body, this time attempting a vertical slash on his foe as one of his remaining swords slashes from Void's empty spot, attempting a diagonal strike, flowing through each movement as swiftly and skillfully as the next. Landing on the ground, Void rolled to the right, curling slightly as his final blade flew at his foe, attempting to pierce through one of his limbs.
The wind was the only sound flowing through the area now, as it moved his hair about. The gentle leaning of the bamboo was the only disturbance around, as Void halted his movements, shifting his body to see Ion while standing up, as the blades in his hands had came up protectively, holding the swords as if he were most at home with them. The sheathed blade still at his side clanked lightly against his leg, as the black clad Navi kept his visual on Ion. The pulsations were rampant now, coursing through his body.
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Post by Ion on Sept 25, 2009 22:20:34 GMT -8
The patchwork of soft light that filtered down through the bamboo was the only illumination, the ever drifting sun their sole onlooker. With the gentle swaying to and fro of the bamboo forest in perfect harmony with the fluid motion of the two combatants, Ion couldn't help but feel the rhythm of battle and their surroundings intermingle into an ever flowing serenade.
Despite both attacks missing, Ion couldn't help but begin to internalize the intricate pulsating rhythms of this forest. Calming his thoughts to a empty minded focus, drawing his body into the very heart of battle and inflaming his limbs with the passion of perfect combat, Ion's iris' slowly flickered from a gentle, curious sky blue to a cooler silver. Feeling as much as seeing the darkness gather around Void in defense of the onslaught of power orbs, Ion was surprised by the instant counter attack. Willing his body to move before his leg was pierced, Ion only managed to pull his leg upwards enough to deflect the first blade off of his shin bracer. The shard of blue gem embedded in his leg took the brunt of the force and with a resounding 'clack' of metal on stone managed to deflect the blade. Leaving spider thin cracks along the surface of the bracer, Ion was already in motion for the multitude of incoming blades that Void brought with him in panther-like fluidity. As the three shadow swords shot for his vital area's from behind Void's somersault, Ion used the momentum from Void's first hit to spin into a crouch dodging the first two before deflecting the third with an open aura guarded palm. Using the flat of his palm to redirect the blade off to the side of himself, the shadow blades embedded themselves deeply into the shuddering Blood Bamboo. Immediately rising to meet Void's rapid fire strikes, the silvery forearm bracers on his arms blazed with a white light. The white light appeared to shatter into fragments revealing Ion's first and amongst his most favored weapons in place of the brilliant shine. Secured over his bracers were simple bladed katars. Grabbing the palm of his left hand he raised it up in defense against Void's first horizontal slash. Immediately catching on to Void's next strike through his mid-air motion Ion raised his other katar in time to intercept the other deadly vertical slash. Unaware that another blade still remained behind Void, Ion was thrown off by the sudden doubled force of the combined vertical and diagonal slash. Grimacing in pain as the diagonal shadow blade slide over the edge of his bracer and sunk in deeply, high into his forearm. Ion only managed to twist his body enough to receive a shallow gash along his side as the blade continued through its lethal arc.
Like a tornado leaving devastation and confusion in its path, Void withdrew with calm yet lethal grace. Every motion he made was a testimony to his hard work and undeniable talent. Yet as Void rolled away leaving only another blood hungry blade in his stead, Ion pursued him like a falcon descending on its prey. Slashing the final shadow blade out of the air with his katar's Ion's hands still flickered with an inner power beneath the protection of his weapons. Matching Void's speed as he finished his roll away, Ion was waiting in anticipation for when Void would rise to his feet and observe the outcomes of his skill.
Catching the moment at its prime, Ion would duck down and attempt to deal two important strikes at Void. One katar would snake forward and attempt to bury itself in Void's calf while his other katar would slash upwards along the same thigh, aiming for the his soft midsection that would be difficult to protect with a blade while rising from a roll. Like a flash afterward though, Ion snapped back both arms to his sides and lunged upwards with a deft yet deadly uppercut aimed at Void's outstretched sword arm or chest while simultaneously dragging his other katar across Void's lower body in a subtle attempt to further slice up his legs. Already being in extremely proximity to his opponent, Ion hoped to hinder Void's counter attacks with the blade by giving him no room to maneuver his blade.
Being right up against Void and leaving him no time to contemplate or review what he had managed was both an offensive and disrupting tactic. Without letting up, both of Ion's energy laden hand's fluctuated with power as Ion formed two balls about the size of a tennis ball each. Releasing them at point blank, they swerved around Void's body, instead taking up position behind and above Void. Now the full rhythm of battle was driving Ion and without hesitation he began to slash left to right in deft, efficient strokes. Should Void move backwards or upwards to avoid the relentless slashes the two independent orbs of pulsing energy were awaiting his approach, yet to move forwards would merely be to render his katana of even less use.
Ion's breathing remained steady as he intricately wove his blades in a deadly tribal dance of blood and blade. This very passion, this soul encompassing rhythm that left him yearning for the simple pleasure of motion, was the very reason he continued to ignore the bleeding forearm and abdomen he now sported. The wholehearted desire to test himself against the finest as testament to this generation's skill, drove him beyond the suffering of mere flesh wounds. He would heal, just as this network had. But just as the network had undergone scarring battles, heart wrenching outcomes, and soul shuddering defeats in order to attain such indescribable beauty, he too would have to reach the edge; and return. With such immutable discipline, the sharp pain shooting along his side and up his arm seemed dimmed, like the ever flickering light that streamed through the canopy. Coming and going, to and fro in intensity, the pain was felt at a distance.
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Post by Shinn the Failedge on Oct 5, 2009 16:55:41 GMT -8
The words ring out in Void's head as he watched Ion's defense against his attacks, a strangely appropriate tune that he had heard, ages ago. Raising up, a brief flash of surprise is visible in his eyes as Ion leaps upon him like a lion preying on a zebra. The single instance of it fades away, as his white blade raises up to meet the katar aimed at his calf. At the same time, he dropped his other sword, foregoing the weapon as his arm was shrouded in shadows, forming a claw, which shot forward to meet the second slash. As the battle began to escalate, Void let out a breathe, pain stinging his arm as his arm which was enveloped by the shadows took the brunt of the upper cut, the impact still felt as a strange numbness enveloped the arm. He continued to gaze at Ion, the grip on 'Endless' being loosened as the white katana was flipped. The now spinning blade clashed with the katar slash, forcing the blow away.
His hand blurred forth, retrieving his blade as he brought the weapon up when he caught sight of Ion forming the balls. Such a thing proved to be life-saving, however, as in the next instant when Ion unleashes a ferocious barrage upon Void, the balls having swerved around Void. And the silence of the area was broken once more by the sounds of blade clashing against blade, of shadows formed against a materialized weapon. Void's breathing was steady, his eyes alight with a strange blaze, a driving fervor that he was sure was engulfing his opponent as well.
And as Ion kept up his vicious assault, so would Void maintain his furious strikes back, the pain in his arm dulling to nothing more than a faint remainder as the fever of battle enticed the Navi. 'Endless' flashed through the air, matching the strikes of one of the katars, moving in a downwards and upwards motion only due to the limit space that Void was provided with. Cuts ran along his left arm, but they were ignored by the black clad swordsman, focused entirely on the battle. The other katar was being pitted against the shadow formed claw, shifting and clashing with ferociousness. Sparks fly as the two continued their deadly beat, never missing a step. With a narrowing of his eyes, Void abruptly shoves one of the katars away with his arm, as the sword he had dropped on the ground flashed briefly.
A small blade flies forth, almost appearing out of nowhere, taking his white katana's place as Void slashes the air with his claw, sending forth a wave of shadows, hoping to forcibly move Ion back. Not missing a beat, he stabs 'Endless' into the ground before him. Moments later, pillars of blades erupted from the floor, streaking towards the Bug Navi like a surging tidal wave. He kicks up the sword on the ground, catching it with his free hand, as he launches the blade forward. The small blade which had appeared followed suit, streaking towards Ion as well.
This was a battle that Void had sought, in every sense to the swordsman, a perfect fight. The wind pervading the area swished his hair, his crimson eyes blazing with life. This was their offering to the fallen, their way of homage in its truest form. Void could not help it anymore. A grin graced his face as he ran forward, removing his katana from the ground, as pillars of blades attempted to skewer Ion from below, and two sword shooting towards the Navi like bullets.
The pain was fading; there but not felt. The euphoria of battle had Void consumed, and continue his strange vitality, his eagerness to continue this fight with such a skilled opponent. To call Ion anything less would be an insult. And a thought echoed through his mind, one which he could not help.
'And this will be a memory that rings forever in my mind, eternally a reminder of my meeting with such talent...'[/color]
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