Fractured Mana

[Skarx]

Seeing as the other fighter had accepted the answer and desired to go on with the battle he released his hold of James's shadow, much to the disappointment of Flay who really wanted to see some funny action. Getting drowsy again Muol ignored his friend, who looked at the wonderful prank opportunity pass right before his eyes, and sat on a shadowy spot close-by to catch some sleep. Flay himself just flew away to a discrete place and shifted to his human form to come back running from another direction right next to the fight and went to the others who were eating to present himself. "Heya! My name's Flay, I'm in the competition too. Nice meeting ya! Can I have some of these too? They look tasty!" He had a huge smile on his face and took a nearby chair to sit on it close to the others not letting them the time to answer or in the worst case possible, kick him out.

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

Xuong observed James’ movements, concentrating on the whole body but paying special attention to the other boy’s hands. After all, it seemed he preferred to channel his electric powers from there. He didn’t know if the electric current could be fired from other parts of the body, though, so he didn’t discard the possibility. It was then when James shot another bolt of electricity, the yellow energy zigzagging higher than his previous shot.

 

Xuong moved, the wind around him aiding in his movements. He ran to the left, ducking slightly to better avoid the attack, using the wall to ricochet off it and quickly situate himself behind James, still keeping some distance. He didn’t attack yet, waiting. The other boy had mentioned before that ‘fighting at a distance wasn’t his specialty’, at judging by the way he was acting in the kitchen, maybe if Xuong kept dodging James would grow impatient and try another physical attack. He’d have to be careful with the electricity, but it was the only way he could counter properly.

 

Xertos snorted, shaking his head. If James managed to hit Xuong directly, the wind user wouldn't be able to stand too many hits; after all, the former had more physical strength. However, the most difficult part of fighting against someone from the Windmonasteries was catching them. At this point, any of the two boys could win. The bay horse sat down before laying on the ground to keep watching, his right side against the wall to make up for his lack of sight on that side, noting how the group had been approached by a man in a dark cloak carrying a red and silver scythe. Maybe another elementalist and his Weapon Partner, a thought that was confirmed when the scythe morphed into a raven, going away before returning in his human form. He decided to not jump to conclusions, and wait for their movements before thinking of them as enemies.

Edited September 12, 2011 by ShoukaSangenshiki

[Blobblarg242]

James might have been a fanatic of battle, but he wasn't stupid. Most of the time, anyway. He considered the monk a bit of a coward, and was sorely tempted to repeat his first tactic, crushing the breath out of him until he gave up. However, that would be the predictable thing to do. He might not excel at ranged combat, but he could at least do a fair amount of damage. Possible enough to affect the rest of the monks limbs. "You won't win easily, if at all." He said, sounding strangely serious. Moving his hands in a motion that seemed to resemble a raven flapping it's wings, James began to build up energy. If he were actually trying to fight as though he were in the tournament, James had three high level techniques that could defeat his enemy easily. Of course, this wasn't the case, so he couldn't use any of them. However, he could build up enough charge to make a stun charge. By zapping an opponent in just the right place, James could upset the electrical impulses sent from the brain to the nerves, essentially causing the target to suffer nerve spasms for a few moments. Of course, it wouldn't last very long, assuming it worked at all. "This is your last chance to surrender, Xuong." He said, his arms poised in a manner that resembled a bird with it's wings outstretched. "If you don't give up now, I'll simply have to remove my handicap." James actually dropped the electrical pulse, opting against the stun charge. It might work, but he definitely didn't want to run the risk of permanent nerve damage. It was a very low possibility, but a possibility nonetheless. James dropped his stance again, the warning sounding somewhat serious. He wouldn't injure the monk, but he might embarrass him. The one thing that would get hurt the most would be his pride.

Edited September 12, 2011 by Blobblarg242

[Icepelt]

Marissa grinned wildly as the fight began. It started with James throwing his arms around Xuong and sending shocks through his body. After being released, the Windmonasterian did a series of leaps through the air, which earned him a small cheer from her. It was really amazing, but he seemed to not fully understand how this fight was working. Honestly, it seemed weak and dishonorable to not put one hundred percent into a fight. James on the other hand, was putting at least a little energy forward. She enjoyed seeing them fight very much. Oh, how fun it was to watch people beat each other up.

She blinked as she noticed that the shadow below James seemed to be pulsing with energy. What was-? Luke, who seemed to have noticed as well, elbowed her and pointed to Muol, the one who was their representative for the Umbraempire. Now, she took her job as the referee very seriously, so she disliked the fact that he was trying to interfere. It was wrong to cheat. Sometimes. She would definitely keep an eye on him. But in the meantime..."Come on, boys~ Don't you want me as your prize? Hm~?"

[Sunwolf]

As the fight went on, Balong noticed what seemed to be a shadow against the wall moved slightly into the light. It was actually a person, who seemed cloaked in darkness, a raven perched on his shoulder. Balong nudged Huoyan, “A Dark elementalist. I think he’s about to do something, watch carefully.”

 

Huoyan saw that the person seemed to be concentrating on James and watched the lightning user intently. It seemed as though James’s shadow moved a little but Huoyan could not be sure. After a while, the Dark user melded back to the shadows and nothing happened. A moment later, a tanned man with black hair came down the alley.

"Heya! My name's Flay, I'm in the competition too. Nice meeting ya! Can I have some of these too? They look tasty!"

 

Balong nodded at the man, “Pleased to meet you, I’m Balong and this is my partner and apprentice Huoyan. We are from the Pyroshogunate.”

 

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

Xertos' ear twitched, moving to better hear the conversation some members of the group were having. Flay, Balong and Huoyan... he'd need to memorize their names just in case. "So those two are from the Pyroshogunate" he thought, examining the red-haired large man and his older, white-haired companion. His eye was drawn towards the small scar the latter had on one of his eyebrows, but he quickly looked away. He didn't like to be reminded of his own.

 

Instead, he looked at the two men from the Umbraempire, familiarizing himself with their appearance; he could guess where they came from because of the man in the shadows. The upper part of his face was hidden in darkness, making it impossible to see.

 

Flicking his tail, Xertos looked at the combat again, his ears still on the other participants in case they said something interesting. Someone needed to be responsible here, after all. James had warned Xuong that he wouldn't win easily, and Xertos didn't like the tone in his voice. It was as if the boy had something dangerous planned. He started moving his arms in preparation, threatening Xuong to give up before stopping his movements. It could mean he dropped the attack, but it could also mean he had finished whatever preparations he needed to do.

 

"I won't give up. I already said I'd fight your way" Xuong said, switching his weight. Xertos could tell he was having difficulties moving his arm and leg, but was doing everything he could to not let it show. His gaze fell on the ground below the two boy's feet, watching dust starting to drift around them as the wind picked up. "That kid is planning something too" he thought. He could see it on his brown eyes; Xuong didn't want to let James down. If he was going down, he'd put up a decent fight. Xertos wondered if he could counter whatever James threw at him; the crystal shard had increased both their magics, after all. The horse flicked his tail again, making more dust raise and be carried away by the growing breeze.

[Skarx]

Sitting in the shadows again Muol could almost feel some of the look of the others on him. He could have cared if he was not so tired and Flay was there anyway. Might as well try to rest while he still could.

 

Flay himself had found company and was more then happy to present himself and his friend. "I'm from a bit everywhere and my friend sleeping outside is Muol, we're the representative from the Umbraempire." He glanced outside where the shadow elementarist was trying to rest. "So why are these two fighting anyway? Is it to show what they can do? Might be good to know what each of us can do if we are to team up and fight together." He then looked a bit concerned when he saw James flap his arms and the wind rising, or at least he thought so from the dust moving more due to wind. Why where they so serious about this... "Say, do we have a plan for our move or we go with James's plan? You know a caravan who might wanna hire some cheap guards to the next city? Might be good to gather some money and I think we would do an excellent escort seeing as we are in the tournament. What do you guys say?"

[Blobblarg242]

"Trust me, you won't want me to answer that question." James said, his unusually serious face gaining the slight etchings of a smile. Well, he had promised no handicap. The boy slowly removed his chain-mail armor, leaving his chest now exposed. James wasn't extraordinarily muscled, though he was far from a weakling. Lightningclan warriors typically wielded some of the largest known weapons in existence, ranging from hammers, to claymores, to battle-axes. As a result, James had above average upper-body strength. In fact, the wooden sword he was given at his 6th birthday had been taller than him. Years of training caused anyone from the Lightningclans to develop physical strength. Dropping the chain-mail on the ground, James again adopted a fighting stance, and began to start up an electric charge. If it weren't for the fact that he wasn't going to injure Xuong... James focused his mind, the slight smile disappearing as quickly as it had come. James jabbed a finger at Xuong, electricity soaring from the fingertip. Though, he didn't let up. James continued by jabbing his other hand and then performing a high kick, resulting in a total of three electric bolts being hurtled towards the monk. 'Perhaps it would be a good time for Xuong to go on the offensive.' James thought to himself.

[Icepelt]

Marissa's emerald eyes widened as she watched James removed his armor. His bare, well-muscled chest was exposed. Her jaw was now wide open as she tried to take it all in at once. She had seen plenty of shirtless guys, Luke included, but he was very gaunt. His ribs might even occasionally stick out if he moved the right way. Speaking of the weapon, he stiffened next to her. She was sure that he was giving James a rather dirty look, but she was in no way paying attention to him. Jumping from the barrel and knocking it over in the process, she pumped her fists in the air, letting out a loud cheer.

"Go James!" she said letting out yet another scream. Her gaze immediately went to Xuong. Well, he was more cute than good-looking. Still, she wouldn't mind if an article of his clothing got ripped as well. Her face lit up, and she grinned at him. "Why don't you take your shirt off too~?" She winked at the boy before walking to where the barrel had rolled to and leaned against it. Sighing, she crossed her arms and watched as the fight progressed. If it would only rain...

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

Xertos had to shake his head at Marissa's 'cheering'. "Teenagers" he thought. "Hormonal teenagers". He didn't censor James' behavior like Marissa's partner; if that helped the boy fight better, he should go ahead and do it. But really, there were a few improper responses to that.

 

James attacked with three bolt of electricity; that was what Xuong had been waiting for. The wind that had been steadily picking up rose its speed to form a whirlwind surrounding the two boys, dust and small pebbles and rocks trapped in it, as Xuong dashed forward, directly towards James, the wind blowing behind him too. He knew: it was stupid, it was reckless, it was dangerous and Xertos would probably chew him out for days, but James had asked for a fight and he had accepted. It was time to live up to that.

 

He ducked to evade the bolts from the fingers, feeling part of his hair standing on end due to the static electricity in the air after the second shot, and tried to counter James' kick, the third shot hitting him on his side and sending shock-waves of pain through his body. If he was fast enough to grab James' leg as he kicked, he could twist it to throw the other boy to the ground, and he could use that chance to take advantage of the fact that the armor was gone. Direct contact just after the third shot would shock him for sure, but he was relying on the adrenaline he was feeling to keep him up until the fight was over.

[Blobblarg242]

As predicted, Xuong was taking advantage of James' shoddy balancing act after his kick. It was a smart move, considering James could easily be thrown off balance because of this. In fact, Xuong was manipulating the wind to an even greater degree than before, finally taking an offensive stance in the fight. Most opponents would panic. Most opponents would be desperate to come up with a good tactic to counter their disadvantage. James was not one of them. Whereas most would take a logical approach, James was so stubborn that he would take the hit head on, full force. Why? Perhaps he wanted a real fight. Of course, close combat was also where he excelled. He might not have Zeke acting as his sword at the moment, but he could still fight quite well. In fact, now that he had removed his rubber-padded armor, James could essentially become a conduit for the electricity. The rubber usually prevented James from spreading his electric magic throughout his upper body, thus cutting off a great deal of his full potential. Usually, this was alright. He could still use his arms, and it also prevented him from taking significant damage from an enemy's lightning attack, making it a good strategy for the tournament. On top of that, the armor was also... armor. It could provide good defense against most swords and other slashing weapons, serving an even greater purpose. But in this situation, no weapons, close combat, and against an opponent who couldn't manipulate electricity, it was unnecessary. Hence why James had promptly discarded it. As he struggled to regain his balance, James surged his electric powers throughout his body, causing anything that were to come into contact with him to most definitely be shocked in some degree; be it minor or major.

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

The counter had worked, but as Xuong had suspected, the limb still had residual electricity from the attack of before. Taking electrical shocks to the arms wasn't as dangerous as taking them to the body, where the electricity would be free to strike the internal organs, but still he needed every ounce of concentration to avoid being paralyzed by the current. He wasn't able to move as smoothly as in the beginning of the fight -if he tried to climb to the roof again, he'd probably need to rely more on his powers than on his body, what with his side throbbing randomly from the blow of before-, but the wind aided his every move. And wind elementals were the fastest; against another wind user, he'd be at a disadvantage if his top speed was compromised, but James wasn't as fast. Same as Xuong wasn't as physically strong.

 

Deciding to use his powers for something else than just boosting his agility, Xuong crouched, his hands on the floor for support, as he used his uninjured leg to try to kick James' legs and trip the other boy with a low spinning kick. However, instead of just raising the speed of the technique, the wind behind him blew towards James too, to make sure that if the other boy dodged the attack, he would at least get hit by the gale behind it.

Edited September 14, 2011 by ShoukaSangenshiki

[Blobblarg242]

As Xuong sped towards James, not a single thought raced through his mind other than that he wouldn't retreat. He wouldn't dodge, he would take the hit head on, with no holding back. His body still coursed with electricity, ensuring any blows exchanged would be shocking (No pun intended). While Xuong could probably trip James up with a well aimed kick, there was also the fact that his body was still a bit out of sorts from the earlier shock attacks. Add to that the sheer difference in strength between the two of them, and James was over-confident again. Whether he was justified in this or not was to be determined by the result of Xuong's next attack. If the monk won, he'd be forever disgraced in his own eyes, and this determination drove James to new-found resolve and a defiance to lose. 'There's no way I'm letting this guy beat me. I won't lose. I won't!' He thought to himself, his eyes sparking with stubborn resolve as much as electricity.

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

James didn't even try to dodge the attack. Maybe he was confident that the could stand it, or he couldn't react in time. Whatever the reason, tripping an opponent depended as much on the angling and technique as on raw strength. Xuong's attack collided with the back of James' legs, as close to the foot as possible. Sparks literally flew from the impact point, making Xuong groan in pain, but the combined force of his leg, the powerful wind behind it and the speed of the attack managed to knock James' feet from under him, and it would make the other boy fall on his back if he wasn't able to use his arms to steady himself. However, the charge had been stronger this time; the point of impact in Xuong's leg had heated up due to the current, causing an electrothermal burn on the skin that had touched James. The boy gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out, and jumped back, moving his uninjured arm in an arc over his head and bringing it down as fast as he could. The wind followed his command, blowing towards James in the form of a crescent moon, sharp enough to cut the skin but not the muscle underneath.

[Blobblarg242]

James was flung to the ground, amazed by Xuong's ability. Of course, just because he was on the ground didn't mean that he'd give up. Though, there was a great pain in his shoulder where the monk had struck him with a kick. He ignored the pain as best he could, and dragged himself to his feet as Xuong recovered from his own injuries. James continued to spark with electric energy, and he flung himself at the monk, putting all of his mass into the tackle. He didn't need to knock the other boy out on his first attempt, he simply needed to get a tight enough grip to shock the monk into submission. James did have superior strength, and he didn't see how a monk that had been reeling from the electric bolts from before could shake him off. Marissa was undoubtedly fainting from excitement; two boys around her age presumably fighting over her now getting into a grapple at close range. James nearly vomited at the thought, but quickly went back to the more important task at hand. Now if only he could get a grip...

[Sunwolf]

"So why are these two fighting anyway? Is it to show what they can do? Might be good to know what each of us can do if we are to team up and fight together."

 

“James suggested a spar and the other accepted.” Balong replied, “Yes, it is good to know what each of us can do but there are other ways besides sparring.” Balong looked at the younger man in a measuring manner, “I have no doubt that each of us has the skills required. If not, we won’t be selected for the tournament won’t we?”

 

"Say, do we have a plan for our move or we go with James's plan? You know a caravan who might wanna hire some cheap guards to the next city? Might be good to gather some money and I think we would do an excellent escort seeing as we are in the tournament. What do you guys say?"

 

“It depends on where we are going. The Pyroshogunate does a lot of trade with the Mechanorepublic, so there should be a lot of caravans going in that direction. Although we are on good terms with the Geodynasty now, there are still some issues which need to be resolved so we don't have much trade going there. I think joining a caravan might not be a bad idea.” Balong replied to Flay’s question.

 

Huoyan listened to Balong’s reply and nodded inwardly, he agreed with the plan. The main reason for this tournament is to gather the crystal shards and they are not going to do that while stuck in the Pyroshogunate. Besides, the main reason he joined the tournament is to see the other countries and study the other elementalists.

 

[Skarx]

Flay smiled when he saw the others, or at least Balong, liked his idea. Truth be told it was Muol's idea, but they didn't need to know that. He didn't though agree that the spar was mostly just a simple show to display their power rather then a good way to show what one could do. The wind, lightning and metal elementarist sure had rather flashy powers, he had notice the metal girl's power while he flew, but the wind guy had a very interesting way of using wind in his opinion. Muol's power were rather limited during the day as he needed darkness to use it and still lacked the power to use it well during the day. During the night though... "Mechanorepublic would be just fine. There is a group there, of course they will probably have moved in the meantime, but others will come to pass." He then looked carefully at the two pyroshogunates. "So... who's the weapon? What can you become? If you tell me I'll tell you what I become too! Deal? You can remain silent if you so wish to keep your secret, but it will be found soon enough." This was no threat, he was simply happy to have a chance to talk to another weapon familiar, one that didn't look so absent-minded.

 

Muol outside didn't have much chance to sleep with all the noise the two boys were making. Annoyed and getting more and more irritated, he had to face the truth. He wouold not be able to sleep as long as both of them were fighting. He might as well go inside where Flay had gone. Especially since now there was an increasing mob of curious people gathering to see who were fighting inside the city. Guards might show up soon with all the commotion. He made his way inside where a very happy Flay was doing conversation with two guys. It took... three second for Flay to jump off his chair and drag him forcefully to the table. "This is Muol! He's the elementarist from the Umbraempire, if it was not easy to notice already! Muol these are Balong and Huoyan from the Pyroshogunate!" Flay was speaking so much and barely waited for the others to answer. Muol on his side simply nodded when he was presented and stood there, confused as to what to do. Inside the building there was some interesting darker spots, but he knew he wouln'd be able to sleep anyway. Before Flay moved to force him to sit down he took a chair and sat at the table, still keeping his upper part of his face cloaked in shadow out of habit. He hated the sun... to bright even when you were in some shade.

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

James rushed towards Xuong, sparks flying from his body in an electric tackle. Xuong tried to run to a side, but his leg chose the worst moment to be difficult, refusing to bend properly, and he wouldn't be able to evade the other boy with the little distance there already was between them and his other leg injured too. And if James touched him, something was telling him he'd know what it feels like to put one's fingers into a socket. It was time to use the attack he had been charging since before James discarded his armor.

Xuong breathed in and closed his fists. The whirlwind that had been steadily blowing stronger around the two boys quickly closed on them, the swirling wind going as fast as Xuong dared to let it go in a public area. Dust and pebbles all around them got sucked into the attack, making it visible as a small, two-meters high, wide tornado with the two boys inside it. Xuong used his powers to stop the wind from harming him, but cutting winds from every direction started attacking James, trying to slash him and stop his attack, the dust and rocks difficulting vision and threatening to get into his eyes. Xuong couldn't move while he was controlling the sharp wind, so he hoped that would be enough to keep James away from him.

[Sunwolf]

“Ah, I see that we are both Weapon Partners. It is nice to meet one after so long. The last time I met one was probably during the war with the Geodynasty,” Balong chuckled to himself, “We were both trying to kill each other then.” Balong smiled widely at Flay, his eyes crinkling at the edges, “There is no need to keep it a secret, as we will be participating in the tournament together. My weapon form is a katana.” Balong finished with a small bow.

 

Just then, the person in the hooded cloak came in and Flay introduced him. Balong noted that part of his face seemed to be hidden from view, “Pleased to meet you Muol. I’m Balong and this is my partner and apprentice Huoyan.”

 

Huoyan also noticed that the newcomer’s face was hidden from view. He felt slightly uncomfortable as he dislikes people who hide their faces. It shows that they have done something which requires them to hide their identity. He nodded slightly at the newcomer and continued to observe him, ignoring Balong and Flay.

 

Balong saw Huoyan mouth tighten into a grim line and knew what he was thinking. Turning back to Flay, he said jokingly, “I see that we both have partners who are not very good in the communications department. Your partner seems to have some trouble with the light. Is he all right?” Balong, unlike Huoyan have seen elementalists from the Umbraempire and know that most of them are sensitive to light. He is asking the question for the benefit of Huoyan.

 

[Skarx]

Glad that Balong was willing to present himself as what he was, Flay answered with just as much sincerity. "Don't see many of us around. A katana hum? I am a scythe. Not the farming tool one mind you, but the actual weapon and vicious looking one. Can't choose how we look can't we?" He did notice how the younger boy was tense about Muol's look or probable more about the fact he was partially hidden. Balong did the best thing and mentioned the light. Though Muol answered for himself there. "Nice to meet you two. Sorry if I look or sound rude. I'm very tired and I do have problem with light..." He had noticed Huoyan's look and did his best to try and calm him. "If... you don't mind being patient or just going in a darker place I do not mind removing the shade. I can't do it now because I am too sensitive to light. I am from the Umbraempire after all." He smiled to ease the mood.

 

Flay just laughed and spoke again. "Don't mind him, he's nocturnal and not use to people! You'll see his better side at dusk when he does not need to protect his eyes! Unless... do you know of something he could use to protect them without hiding his face? That would be very useful!" Muol didn't comment on this. He was more focused on Huoyan who was also human and from another country. He wondered how he usually lived.

[Blobblarg242]

James was slowly but surely being pushed back by Xuong's wind powers. The monk wasn't holding back now, so that meant James wouldn't either. The wind was pushing him farther and farther back and it took every fiber in his being to stand his ground. If he could simply make one attack... James focused all of his remaining electrical charge into his left hand, the limb lighting up with the dangerous levels of power that surged through the young boy's body. Focusing all his strength, James sent a single bolt flying at Xuong, and then he himself was sent back a few feet by the wind. The entire outcome of the battle would likely depend on whether or not that attack would succeed. James doubted he had the strength to continue at this rate.

[ShoukaSangenshiki]

Xuong kept concentrating on the whirlwind, focusing all his strength on pushing James back. It looked like he was succeeding, and inch by inch, the other boy was being shoved further away. Then, he noticed James' left arm charging on electricity, as if he had decided a physical attack could wait until later. Xuong doubled his efforts, trying to prevent the attack, and finally putting enough force behind the wind to push James away, but the other boy had managed to shot an attack that zigzagged through the air, sparks flying off and getting caught in the wind. The electric attack managed to travel the distance between the boys without getting thrown off course, and landed on Xuong's right shoulder.

 

Xuong flinched and grit his teeth when the attack hit him, letting out a strangled sound but managing not to cry out in pain. The electricity coursed through his body, effectively breaking his concentration, making the whirlwind expand with sudden force before vanishing. Xuong knelt down, his right hand and knee on the ground and his left arm resting on the other one, panting. He could still feel small currents on his skin, and after the force of the attack, he doubted he'd be able to move anytime soon. He had to admit it; James had won.

[Blobblarg242]

James struggled to his feet. "Heh. It's over..." Though he might have technically been considered the winner for outlasting his opponent, James considered it a draw. The monk had fought exceedingly well, and there wasn't a chance that he'd want to slander the name of someone he now knew to be a fierce fighter. If anyone asked, they had tied. Zeke rushed over to support his friend, making sure he didn't collapse. "You won, James. Idiot." Zeke said affectionately, wanting the boy to know that he had done something really stupid. "Heh. But, I won. And that's what counts... Right, referee?" He called to Marissa. Though he would have chosen to fight her originally, he wasn't in much of a state to fight another battle for a while. Xuong had been much tougher than he had anticipated. 'What was the other option again...?' He thought to himself. Boy, was he in for a surprise.

[Icepelt]

Marissa watched the final moments of the fight in awe. Electricity could be heard sparking around the alleyway in which the two boys were fighting in. Wind blew her hair around wildly. She cheered loudly, her screams attracting the attention of a few passerby. Once they realized what was happening, they disappeared and tried to avoid the line of fire. The last attack injured Xuong, his arm looked like it was out of commission. With a small smile she got up, realizing that it was her turn to fight. James had obviously won, and it was exciting to see his enemy hunched over in pain.

"It's okay." she leaned over and placed a light kiss on the boy's cheek. "Hmm~ You're still a winner in my mind." With a little wave, she turned to look back at James. "Right." Her grin changed into a more sadistic one. "Now, are you sure you want to fight me? Or would you rather just have me as your prize? I'm fine with either one."

[Blobblarg242]

"Well, as much as it pains me to admit it, I can't fight right now. So I'll have to take the latter option. What was it again?" James asked. "To have her as the prize." Zeke responded. "OK, so it's either fight her as the prize or what?" He asked again. "You get her, Marissa, as your prize." Zeke said more forcefully. "OK, see, there are words coming out of your mouth, but they're not making any sense." Zeke was just getting plain ticked off at this point. "Are you physically incapable of understanding what I am saying? You, James, get her, Marissa, as your prize." James was silent for a few moments before finally speaking up. "...do you think it's too late to lose the fight?" Zeke sighed and stopped supporting him, the boy falling to the ground with a thud. "That hurt." He said weakly, before getting to his feet and walking over to Marissa. "Well, I guess you're my prize..." He said quietly. He could barely stand up, and more than anything he just wanted to put his chainmail back on. Being shirtless made him feel exposed. Plus, the force of being thrown against a wall hadn't been a fun experience.