[Clash of Blade Season 1] Week 1: Jomei v. Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

Sharp words pierced his chest, dealing more damage than any weapon or sword art. An awful, real pain settled in as icy daggers tunneled to his heart. A chill ran up his spine and, for a moment, he was the one left paralyzed instead of Acanthus. While words were not spoken loud enough for any others to hear, the entire arena fell silent to Jomei.

"I-" a lump caught in his throat. What could he even say to combat that? He was just trying to have a spot of fun, give the audience a show like the performer he was. Was that newfound confidence that he had been tapping into turn him into some sort of a nuisance? Am I annoying? Perhaps Acanthus just did not appreciate his type of humor. You're making her uncomfortable. They really only spoke once before, so they weren't that close. It's just you, you're the problem. Shut up already.

Perhaps she was right. 

Defeated, hazy green gaze finally broke from their own stun and shifted away from the brunette. He could no longer look at someone who seemed so - he didn't want to say hateful, but it was the word that kept coming to mind. Whatever it was, it did not feel good. Made him feel sick to his stomach. 

No words. Jomei would raise the tip of his rapier from the dirt, flicking his wrist to dispel any mud or grass that clung. With a shaky breath in, he would settle his breathing with a slow, long exhale. When he finally turned his eyes back to Acanthus, that spark was no longer present.  

"Sorry.." his voice was low, quiet. Hurt. Clearing his throat before speaking again, volume returning to his voice. "Let's continue." 

Swift Action //

No action taken

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240912 | CD 6

Rest +10 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 125/200 | EN 15/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (4/7) | Stun Imm. (0/3)
Jomei  | HP: 106/200 | EN: 22/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (2/5)

[Acanthus 0]

“Sorry. Let’s continue.” Three words shook her to her core. Each word was rife with emotion, each syllable was a shocked apology. The blood drained from her face as she relived every demure, unwarranted apology she had ever offered. Telling her dad she didn’t mean it when she broke contact. Telling her teachers she would do better next time. Telling her family that she was sorry she had taken time for herself after she learned about mom. In that whirlwind of apologies, a single idea dominated them all: “Sorry I was myself. It won’t happen again.”

“Jomei…” It was too late. You can’t un-pick a flower, she thought bitterly. "Jomei, no, I’m sorry. It’s a bad apology, and a late one. But I’m sorry. The tr—”

SHE BARES HER SOUL WHILE HE IS BROKEN. FINISH HIM. TALK LATER.

She pressed through the errant thoughts. “The truth is, I’m furious. I’m furious that this is all so effortless for you. You don’t even have to try. But I am struggling. And…"

FOOLISH GIRL. EMOTIONS ARE KNIVES SHE HANDS TO HER ENEMIES.

“And I just want to know how you do it.” She swallowed. “What keeps you from being terrified? What keeps you on your feet, ready to save people that don’t deserve it. I saw you, that first day on Floor 29… I watched you save that boy—one of the idiots that didn’t deserve to live. And I want to say that I was ok watching him die because he made a mistake, but really? I think I was just scared. And then you were there. Mr. Invincible, as-he-is-witty, as-he-is-charming, you appeared in a flash and saved the day. All I want to know is how. And why.”

Acanthus resumed her fighting posture. “But I don’t want to hear your answer. I want to see it. That’s why I’m here, and that’s why I want to win. I still do, and I’ll still run my body into the ground to make it happen. But you don’t deserve to be a casualty in that search.”

Glancing down at her sword, her eyes hardened. “Don’t think I’m going to ease up, though.”

(Is the ST-1 in the room with us?...)

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 125/200 | EN 8/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (4/7) | Stun Imm. (0/3)
Jomei  | HP: 44/200 | EN: 22/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (2/5)

Recovery. 240913 | CD 5 | +6 HP. +1 EN

Swift Action -> Nothing

Main Action: ST-1 -> Jomei
240914 | BD 7 + 4 - 3 | Hit! 10 * 8 = 80 - 18 = 62 damage.

Edited February 19 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

"Don't apologize." 

Quite the hypocritical statement to make after apologizing himself. 

Jomei would flash her a smile, very small, very forced. But he shared no other words, as she had requested. 

“But I don’t want to hear your answer. I want to see it."

All of a sudden it sounded as if he was the one being tested. To prove that he was where he should be, fighting on the frontlines and being a beacon of hope for those unable to. The doubt sowed deep within, imposter syndrome at its worst, began to sprout and take root. The wit, the charm, all a face that he put on to mask his lack of self esteem, the loneliness, the fear that he felt constantly. 

He did this because he had to, because others couldn't. Because so many before him shaped him into the man he was, acted as guides to become one of Aincrad's best. And now they were gone, nothing but names carved into a slab of stone and a memory. 

Again, Acanthus wanted actions, not words. So he kept his thoughts to himself and returned to the task at hand, giving her the battle she wanted. Making use of his Charge skill, his boots kicked up the loose dirt around where he once stood as he took off in a flash. Appearing beside Acanthus, his boot began to illuminate with a similar glow to his rapier whenever activating a sword art. A roundhouse kick, aimed at the crook of the woman's neck, catching nothing but air as she quickly dropped under the attack. The moment his boots hit the ground once more, he proceeded to keep on the offensive.

If she wanted a fight, and not a show, she would get one.

Swift Action //

No action taken

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +8HB +20 VAMPD +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240915 | CD 9

ST-1 // 240916 3(+2)(-1) | Charge Attempted... | -4 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 125/200 | EN 8/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (4/7) | Stun Imm. (1/3)
Jomei  | HP: 78/200 | EN: 19/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (3/5)

[Acanthus 0]

She really should have spent more time concerned about what she’d said. But with a boot aimed for her face, she had other things to worry about. She felt his shin catch the top of her head as she ducked underneath his kick. Without waiting for him to regain his footing, she brought botan up, sweeping across his entire body. He was gone before the strike began.

Acanthus couldn’t decide whether to grin or grimace. She’d kept a solid lead for most of the fight, a solid lead that was slipping strike by strike to whatever fire now stoked her opponent. His smirk had been burned away, replaced by a smile that even Acanthus could tell was a nicety. Or was it a habit? Whatever she had done, it was clear he was operating on a different level.

Not good. The grimace won out, her mouth frozen in frustration. My energy is running lower, I’ve lost my item advantage. She fell back, desperately attempting to create space between her and the man she had just provoked. Provoked fighters make mistakes, she reassured herself. Keeping her shield high even though it weighed two tons, she waited impatiently for an opening.
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 125/200 | EN 1/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (4/7) | Stun Imm. (1/3)
Jomei  | HP: 78/200 | EN: 19/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (3/5)

Recovery. 240917 | CD 2 | +6 HP. +1 EN

Swift Action -> Nothing

Main Action: ST-1 -> Jomei (-8 EN)
240918 | BD 2 + 4 - 3 | Miss.

Edited February 20 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

You're making a fool out of yourself again.

Shoulders rose and fell with heavy breaths, loose hairs stuck to his sweat slick skin. The blade he clutched in his hand began to feel heavy, despite its lithe build. Crashing against the face of Acanthus' steel defense over and over, he'd nearly lose his grip on the rapier. 

Talked a big game, made Acanthus feel uncomfortable.

Her apology in the heat of battle did not seem to reach Jomei, although he heard her words loud and clear. The self doubt that plagued his mind was far louder. An issue he thought he had put to rest, coming back from the dead to haunt him. Definitely not the most convenient of times for it to come back into his life. 

His body moved as if it were on autopilot, while he bickered with his internal thoughts. A fierce battle being fought on both fronts. 

Catching Acanthus off guard with a couple of powerful slashes, his rapier would find purchase the moment she lowered her defense. 

 

Swift Action //

No action taken

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, 
Vamp D // 240924 | CD 1

ST-1 // 240925  | BD 5(+2) | HIT | 8x10=80(-40) = 40 dmg | - 2 FL AURA. | - 8 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 85/200 | EN 1/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (6/7) | Stun Imm. (2/3)
Jomei  | HP: 82/200 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (4/5)

[Acanthus 0]

Exhausted, she could only watch as Jomei broke her defenses yet again. Sweat and dirt stung her eyes, working against her attempts to keep a bead on the duelist. With a shaking hand, she hastily tossed her hair back. I don't think I've ever fought this long before. Even Callisto. As chaotic as that was, it couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes.

Her energy bar rested squarely on the bottom line. But her exhaustion ran deeper than that. She'd been out of energy before. Whenever that happened, Cardinal slowed her down, giving her the sense of mild sleepiness. Right now, she felt like she'd just hiked Mount Fuji with no break. She was panting and struggling to bear the weight of her armor and weapons. A mild buzz permeated her whole body: it slowly dawned on her. Those are my pain indicators. It's not like getting hit, but it's close.

She wondered if Jomei felt the same. Nimble as he was—more nimble than her—he had slowed down too. His chest heaved with exertion, but his form was ever perfect. If Jomei could do it, then she could too. She had too.

"I'm not done yet." She issued the words as a challenge. "I'm not done yet."

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 99/200 | EN 12/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | STUN | FKA (6/7) | Stun Imm. (2/3)
Jomei  | HP: 82/200 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (4/5)

Recovery. 240929 | CD 5  +14 (6 + 8) HP. +1 EN.

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: Rest

+10 EN

Edited February 20 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

"Me neither." he finally spoke, shaking his head.

The reality of the situation was, they were both done. The thick blanket of exhaustion was draped over them as they each fought for the upper hand with what little energy reserves they had left. Acanthus had relied more on defense, keeping her shield up until the right moment to strike. 

Jomei, however, would not give her that option. His strikes were not nearly as accurate as they once were, or else he would be able to sneak the point of the rapier around Acanthus' wall with ease. The switch to a 'tank' build wasn't looking too helpful now. But if was able to hold his ground for this long, then maybe he wasn't left as useless as he'd thought. 

And that was the shred of hope he held onto to come out on top. 

Striking up high with another diagonal cut from shoulder to his ( or top of shield to lower half, to be exact ) he would follow that momentum of his blade to spin his body. Dropping to a knee at the peak of his turn, he would cut once again, this time at her ankles. Flames licked from her armor the moment his blade made contact, reaching out to graze his wrist and forearm. 

"Neat trick." he'd mumble to himself with a scoff. 

Swift Action //

No action taken

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH +1 EN, +20 HP
Vamp D // 240930 | CD 12

ST-II 240931 // BD 5(+2) HIT |  11 x 10  = 110(-40) = 70 DMG | -2 FL.AURA | - 11 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 29/200 | EN 12/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | FKA (7/7) | Stun Imm. (3/3)
Jomei  | HP: 100/200 | EN: 2/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (5/5)

[Acanthus 0]

Jomei was hitting hard as ever. She defended against the initial part of Jomei's combo, but his follow-up went low, cutting her ankles. She cried out as the pain indicators rattled her skull. I need a little more time. The edges of her vision blurred, and she stumbled backwards, swinging wildly. If I can swallow my pride, maybe Jomei would be willing to take another breather if I suggested it. Then we can finish the fight gracefully, no matter who wins.

A dry, raking laugh chilled her bones. Every pore of her skin prickled.

IN A REAL FIGHT, SHE CANNOT REST. SHE KILLS OR SHE DIES.

She was too tired to sustain a battle on two fronts. Acanthus put everything into her fight with Jomei.  Relenting, she let the voice continue.

ALL HER PREPARATION AND VIGOR. CLOSE TO HER VICTORY, YET SHE WANTS TO BEG FOR IT. WEAK. Hot, angry tears rolled down her face. "I'm not done," she muttered angrily. "I'm—I'm still here."

PROVE IT.

A feral scream ripped through the stands as Acanthus charged Jomei. Defense was no longer a factor in her strikes. I'll run my body into the ground. Botan rolled upwards in a fierce arc, before immediately plummeting back down. Three quick strikes up high, another low—just like he'd done. She wanted to show Jomei he wasn't the only one quick on his feet. Despite the onslaught, his defenses held firm, trading in more blows than he took. Vicious Mockery flashed in from the edges of her darkening vision, and she rolled to turn the lethal head wound into a biting shoulder strike.

"Your… your guard is… good. But it's down." She exhaled with the force of a final breath. Clawing a second wind from deep inside, she charged up a stunning art. Jomei would probably be expecting a wide strike on his left. But Acanthus had learned a few tricks experimenting with the system. Despite the glow of the sword, a charged sword art did not require the blade to connect perfectly to unleash its effects. Rather than leading with botan, she closed the distance head first, headbutting Jomei with a solid *crack*. Her vision blacked out for a moment before slowly returning to focus.

Acanthus clutched her forehead, grinning wildly. "How's that… How's that for a stunning art?"

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 53/200 | EN 2/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | FKA (7/7) | Stun Imm. (3/3)
Jomei  | HP: 30/200 | EN: 2/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | CON (5/5)

Recovery. 240932 | CD 12 +24 (6 + 8 + 10) HP. +2 EN.

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: TECH-A -> Jomei (-12 EN)

240933 BD 9. Minor Critical! 11 * 8 = 88 - 18 = 70 damage. Stunned.

Edited February 20 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

A sound unlike any he had heard come from the quiet girl's lungs before. The adorably, strange girl who found her fun, not with socializing, but digging holes on the beach. A spark of rage ignited within her, and the fire in her eyes ready to burn Jomei down to the ground - her with it, if it was necessary. Falling onto his back foot as Acanthus pressed forward, he barely had enough time to bring his rapier up to defend against Acanthus' onslaught. The weight of her longsword easily outmatched Jomei's rapier, not to mention the power Acanthus put into each strike. He needed to rely on parrying moves, pushing her blade out of the way while backing up. Attempts to sidestep to her flank were made, but he was usually met with a bash from her shield to keep him in line. At this rate, she would have him trapped against the ruined wall of the arena. 

Shit, block. He thought to himself as her weapon ignited in a familiar glow. His eyes followed its path as she began to cross her sword arm across her body. As if tracing the link, Jomei's rapier moved with botan, preparing a brace against the sword art. 

The sword would never make contact with him..

..but her head did.

Everything went white as his body went dark. Acanthus was not much shorter than he was, a couple inches at most. Enough to look him eye to eye, and enough for her forehead to connect with his without much effort. All she needed was his guard down, and the feinting strike had accomplished that. One, two fumbling steps backwards before his body refused to take a third. Vicious Mockery fell to the stone and dirt at his feet, slipping from a hand that was locked in the air to his side. The other behind his left hip - 'coincidentally' where he kept the Antidote Crystal he had purchased. All while his forehead throbbed, after feeling returned of course. 

"D-Damn.." he was still able to move his lips, only barely. "You.. got me." He chuckled, at least as much as his body would allow him. Tiny movements, that's all he needed. Feet barely shuffled, shoulders fought to move, but just enough to.. Crack. Managing to take the crystal into the palm of his hand, he'd press it against his hip to shatter it and allow the contents to remove the stun. Although, while he was freed, he still did not move. Maybe if she thinks I'm still under the stun.. I can get a second to catch my breath. 

Swift Action //

Consumable -> Antidote Crystal | Clears all negative status effects | STUN cleared (-2 EN)

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH, + 8HB +1 EN
Vamp D // 240934 | CD 2

Rest | +10 EN

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 53/200 | EN 2/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 44/200 | EN: 10/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (3/3)

[Acanthus 0]

Jomei took a step back, frozen by request of the Cardinal. His fingers twitched at his side, reaching for something. “You should know by now you can’t wiggle your way out of a stun. Once Cardinal says you’re stunned, you’re stunned.” She paced slowly, preparing to take advantage of the stun. No evasion, no movement—now was the time to turn the tide. Acanthus raised botan high, ready to secure her lead. Botan replied with a flicker and a fading hum. I’ll run my body into the ground. But my sword doesn’t seem to be on the same page. Scowling, she squared up her form. If the sword art wouldn’t help her, she would just have to do it herself.

Preparing to move forward, she felt someone reach into her chest and squeeze. She gasped for air, and botan fell back down to her side. Jomei must have used some kind of item? But she didn’t see any coughing powder, and that was the only thing that would have caused her to falter. Forcing the air in and out of her lungs, she gripped botan with trembling fingers. “I s-s-aid no more breaks.” She coughed. “I s-still have enough en-energy to win this. One… more good h-hit. That’s all I need.” 
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 69(nice)/200 | EN 14/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 30/200 | EN: 10/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (3/3)

Recovery. 240935 | CD 12  +16 (6 + 10) HP. +2 EN.

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: Rest
+10 EN

Edited February 20 by Acanthus

[Jomei 0]

As fragment of the crystal continued to shatter under the weight of his hand, the feeling returned to him faster than he had anticipated. Like standing in front of a burning fireplace after being outside in a snow storm, the theoretical frost melted away. Moving just a few fingers to confirm, he would slowly exhale a sigh of relief. Whether Acanthus seemed to catch on to his little act or not, he was unsure. However, her reluctance to attack while he was down meant she was, once again, dangerously low on energy. Perhaps not even enough for her weapon to process even the simplest of sword arts. 

Time to use that to his advantage. 

It was a dirty trick, he had to admit.. but if Acanthus was so hard set on winning at any cost, then he would need to approach the climax of their duel with the same mindset. Something caused her to spit and cough as she attempted to ready her attack, perhaps the contents of the antidote crystal caught in her throat - if that was even possible. There was no time to think on the why when he needed to act. With one swift motion, he would drop to his knee to retrieve Vicious Mockery from the dirt. Lunging forth and upwards, he would thrust the blade forth as it hummed to life with a sword art, possibly the last one he would be able to muster. 

Pinpointing a spot just under her breastplate, the length of his rapier would pierce Acanthus' abdomen. He watched hopefully as her health bar dropped - Shit, still clung onto a sliver. Now that he was the one out of energy, he would need to get out of range of her counter and formulate a new plan to finish her off. 

"You're a stubborn one, aren't ya." he huffed.

Swift Action //

Nothing

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH, +20VAMPD +1 EN
Vamp D // 240936 | CD 12

ST-I // 240934 | BD 4(+2) Hit | 8x10-40=40

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 29/200 | EN 12/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 64/200 | EN: 3/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (2/3)

[Acanthus 0]

Confident in her unshakeable stun, she relaxed for a fraction of a second. It was her fifth mistake. Or maybe sixth? She’d failed so many times that she lost count. Acanthus panicked as Jomei vanished from her vision. Shit! His cleanse was on cooldown. He’s cheating, unless—

Jomei stooped to swipe his rapier from the ground, putting him in a prime position to strike from below. She still hadn’t learned there was no time for “unless.” She was too tired to block and too tired to dodge. Angling perfectly underneath her breastplate, he drove the weapon straight into her gut, her pain indicators roared. Acanthus looked down in disbelief at the weapon, buried in her stomach to the hilt. A thousand hornets buzzed in her head, blocking out every other thought. Distance—run—escape—*RUN*. Her frantic attacks failed, even with his sword occupied as it was.

Bringing a knee up, she separated herself from her opponent with a rough thrust. The blade came out with a small, dramatic spritz of bright red. She groaned, realizing her mistake too late. Jomei’s attack had left him almost out of energy. Instead of following through, she had given him space to recover.

“I’m not done yet!” She growled, trying her best to rally herself. Knees shaking, she drew botan back for one final attack.
 

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 43/200 | EN 11/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 64/200 | EN: 3/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (2/3)

Recovery. 240938 | CD 1 +14 (6 + 8) HP. +1 EN.

Swift Action: nothing

Main Action: ST-1 -> Jomei (-2 EN)

240939 | BD 1. Critical miss

 

Edited February 22 by Acanthus

[Minako 0]

This entire time while the two combatants fought tirelessly against each other, she sat and watched. The fight was amusing, entertaining, a true test of skill, might, determination, and sheer willpower. Minako smiled as Acanthus rallied herself against the speedy Jomei, she flinched when the bottle was shattered against his nose, and she smiled as Jomei swept at Acanthus legs. It was a bloody beat down, and as the fight dragged on it got even bloodier.

But then it got slower, and slower, and slower. The fight dragged on, and on, and on. And soon both fighters were panting, trying to catch their breath moreso than finish the duel. And that was boring. She would do something, rather than watching tired dogs bark. She blew a whistle, before yelling. “Hold!”

she raised a hand to signal the pause of the fight. She watched at each fighter was shaking from exhaustion, hair and dirt clinging to their sweat coated bodies. God damn they were both hot. But alas, it was neither here nor there for her to attempt to pick them up, instead she’d do her job and be a shout caster. She raised her hand to her lips and let out a sharp whistle. Two men appeared, dressed in white, from behind the podium.

”Yes! Minako-San!” They shouted simultaneously at her call. Minako stepped down from her podium and bear witness to to pair. “Recover their energy, but not their wounds. It’s been such a long day and I’d like this fight wrapped up in time for dinner.” She stepped over to Jomei. “Sorry for treating you poorly at the introduction.” She said privately apologizing to him. “I did it for the show, as I can see you’ve been doing for this fight. ” She said not giving the emerald duelist a chance to respond. “Keep it up darling, you’re entertaining me quite well.” Minako stepped across the field to Acanthus. “Hello beautiful.” She said to her. “You’re doing a great job at keeping up and I’m quite impressed. You’re like a flower blooming in a desert.” Minako said. “Just need a bit of water, and you can survive anything.” Minako said letting her underlings tend to her.

That being said Minako returned to her seat to watch. She reached her hand back into her mouth and whistled loudly, signaling for the match to continue. 

Edited February 22 by Minako

[Jomei 0]

Fire, whether a raging inferno or the smoldering end of a matchstick, it required constant oxygen to burn. If you seal those flames within a room, and cut off that flow of oxygen, they snuff out. 

The desire to claim victory over the other burned deep within their bellies, keeping them on their feet with sword in hand. But that energy feeding that raging flame was fading. And their ability to remain standing would be snuffed out. 

The struggle was obvious as Acanthus steadied herself. Barely able to hold her shield up in front of her body, arm trembling as it raised her botan into the air. It was obvious because his body was on the brink of collapse as well. Sweat slicked palms struggled to keep his rapier held at his side. How long exactly had this fight been going on for? 

“I’m not done yet!” 

The corner of his lips twitched more than smirked, "Good,  me neither." 

Blocking out the cheers, the fanfare, Jomei stared across at Acanthus. Either of them waiting for the first to make a move. Silence fell.. and then..

*WHISTLE*

Was that it? Had they run the clock? Minako would return to the ground where Acanthus and Jomei where with a pair of henchmen. How'd she even get henchmen? Call it pity, or mercy, she had a chunk of their energy restored. Still winded, that was just from being human, but he felt the blood flowing in his muscles once more. "Eh, no harm no foul." he would say to Minako as she apologized for her earlier comment about 'fucking murdering him'.

"Hey" Jomei would shout over to Acanthus as the triage team left her. "You're damn amazing, hope you know that. No matter how this turns out, whatever you were trying to prove to yourself..." he would simply nod his head. "I hope you realize that. Now... good luck."

Readying himself into a offensive stance once more, he stood there in wait for Minako's signal to resume the battle. 

*WHISTLE*

Boots pounded against the dirt and broken stone as Acanthus and Jomei rushed each other. No fancy maneuvers or dodging, the two met head on, each of their blades cutting clean through the other. In the end, it was Jomei left standing. 

Swift Action //

Concentration | + AA

Main Action //

Passives -> +6BH, +20VAMPD +1 EN
Vamp D // 240943 | CD 12

ST-II // 240944 | BD 4(+2)(+1) 7 | HIT | 11x10=110-40=70 | -11 EN | -2 HP FL.AURA

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 0/200 | EN 38/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 82/200 | EN: 23/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (3/3)

[Acanthus 0]

A clear whistle shattered her concentration. Minako stepped down from the stands, quickly dusting off and checking over the players.

Quote

“Hello beautiful.” She said to her. “You’re doing a great job at keeping up and I’m quite impressed. You’re like a flower blooming in a desert.”

Acanthus looked down at herself, covered in dirt, shoulders sagging, chest heaving. Then she looked back up at Minako. “...Thank you,” she said simply. Acanthus allowed herself to be fussed over before promptly moving back to her corner.

“Hey.” Jomei was calling out to her. Acanthus twitched, ready for a much-deserved scolding.

Quote

“You're damn amazing, hope you know that. No matter how this turns out, whatever you were trying to prove to yourself… I hope you realize that. Now... good luck.”

Acanthus couldn’t bring herself to look him in his eyes. “That is more than I deserve. I’ve said things that were perhaps unwarranted. It was wrong, and I hope in time you’ll forgive me.”

The “highminded rhetoric” she had so quickly disregarded lingered in her mind. She wasn’t ready to accept it just yet. But for now, she would place it carefully in a safe corner of her thoughts, to be preserved until the day it might take root.

The fighters returned to their positions. Acanthus noticed that their energy had been tended to while their health remained low. This is it, she realized. Do or die. Minako lifted the whistle to her lips. Acanthus brought botan high, ready for the last strike. She felt the blade’s warmth course through her body, as she prepared one last shatter for Jomei. His blade sparked and glowed in turn, promising her a swift end if she brought anything less than perfection. She refused to disappoint him.

“I’m not done. I’m still here.” She whispered to herself, letting the sword art carry her thoughts and worries to the wind. The rose petals NIGHT had worked to imbue into the blade’s arts flourished, swirling around her and the area. The crowd had fallen silent, the electric air a low hum that threatened to break at a moment’s notice.

Minako’s clear whistle threw her back into the moment. TECH-D was ready; and so was she.

An explosive push sent Acanthus barrelling towards Jomei. She felt the wind rushing through her messy hair, drying the sweat and tears that had caked her face through the match. I’m alive. She began to smile. I feel alive. Jomei watched her racing towards her, blade up and ready. There would be no time to manuever or dodge. She had the chance for one strike, and so did he. It would be a measure of speed. An arm’s length away, the sword art begged to be released. She saw the tip of Vicious Mockery twitch, eager for that same release.

In the blink of an eye, the blades crossed through their victims. Acanthus had been fast—but the Emerald Duelist was faster.

First one knee gave out; then the other. Acanthus grasped botan weakly, forcing the tip into the sand to balance her fading strength. The edges of her vision faded rapidly as she tried desperately to stand back up. “I’m not done~” she whispered. “Please, I’m not—
 

Current word count: 11,890 words :poggers:

Post Action: TECH-D -> Jomei
240950 | BD 7 + 4 - 3 | Hit! Shatter applied. 10 * 8 - 8 = 72 damage.

Acanthus | Lvl 66 | HP: 0/200 | EN 26/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:40 | ACC: 3 | AA  | EVA: 0 | BRN-IM  | FL.AURA: 2 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 10 | REC: 1 | LD:3 | 
Jomei  | HP: 10/200 | EN: 23/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 18 | ACC: 2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA: 3 | BH:6 | HB: 8 | VAMP-D: 20 | BLI: 8/-5 | Stun Immu. (3/3)

Edited February 26 by Acanthus

[Minako 0]

She was back in her seat, her minions cleared the field, and her two entertainers stood a bit taller. After about fifteen minutes of fighting, both fighters were on the brink of collapsing, trading blow for blow. Where Jomei attacked, Acanthus answered. Minako's eyes shone in the setting sun, this was what she wanted. A duel to transcend this digital prison. This event would bring out the best in these figters, and this duel proved it. She let out a large grin, knowing that giving them energy would only placate them into one final strike. And what a better time to have it happen? Two warriors standing across each other, on their last leg, ready to throw it all in just to see who was a little better.

She nervously raised her hand to her mouth to whistle, to start the match. She dare not to blink, lest she miss anything. After a tentative holding of her breath, she whistled. In nearly a blur, both Acanthus and Jomei went for each other at blinding speed. Both stood on the other side of each other, Minako looked on trying to determine who might've won. Acanthus was the first to waiver, her leg going out and falling to one knee. Minako raised a hand, letting out another whistle to close out the fight. "The winner! Is Jomei!" She said, to the largest smattering of applause that they had this day.

Word Count, Col, and EXP
Minako: 1130
Jomei: 6028
Acanthus: 5346

Experience
Acanthus | [Word Count: 12504/10 = 1250.4] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.6] = 5252 EXP * 2 = 10,504 EXP
Jomei | [Word Count: 12504/10 = 1250.4] * [True Tier: 12] * [Group Factor: 0.6] = 9003 EXP * 2 18,006 EXP
Minako | [Word Count: 12504/10 = 1250.4] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 0.6] = 750 EXP * 2 = 1,500 EXP

Col
Acanthus | Laurel Wreath: 787 col + 200 (bonus) = 987 col
Jomei | Laurel Wreath: 1350 col + 200 (bonus) = 1550 col
Minako | Forfeits Any Col