Memories of a Knight (Anyone)

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

A great roar of pain escaped Vayne’s lips. A sword now lodged in his left shoulder. Acting now, more on instinct than training, he thrust his blade forwards in an attempt to plunge it deep into his assailant’s stomach, but his attack was parried with ease, as they drove their scimitar deeper into his flesh. Vayne grunted painfully as he used his left hand to grab hold of the weapon. He quickly yanked it from his person, and jammed it into the tree behind him, using this moment to make a wide sweep with his longsword, attempting to carve open the other man’s chest. The man however, merely jumped up, and with a certain grace, landed on Vayne’s weapon, forcing it to the ground under his feet. And try as he might, Vayne could not pull his sword from under the man’s weight. It took only a few seconds, and it was all over… The scimitar pierced Vayne’s throat, and the Knight died…

“You’ve improved since last time…” Came the voice of the white haired Spaniard, tapping the hilt of his weapon. “But you died again…” He sighed and shook his head. Vayne removed the visor from his face, and placed it to his side, getting up from his chair.

“You can’t compare a simulator to the real thing!” He whined as he watched the other man ease out of his chair. The Spaniard rolled his arm and cracked his neck, turning to walk down from the podium they had been situated on. “A real fight is a lot different!” Vayne continued to complain.

“You’re right… In a real fight… You’d still be dead right now… And I’d be leaving your corpse to rot.” The Spaniard replied half heartedly. Vayne could only cross his arms in annoyance.

---End Flashback---

Vayne’s eyes opened slowly, as he trained his sight onto a straw stuffed doll used by the students of the academy to train. He held his longsword vertically in his right hand, casting his sight beyond his sword and into the target. “The Order will pay… They have strayed from the light, and are now nothing more than the Vatican’s hitmen…” With two powerful strokes, he slashed at the doll diagonally, first from the left, and then from the right. 3 of the pieces it had now been carved into fell to the ground, thudding on the impact, leaving only the head and some of the upper torso suspended from its rope. And then, as though time were reversing, the fallen pieces rose again and rewove their bonds. The enchanted doll was whole once more.

Magic fascinated Vayne. Having only ever seen holy spells, he was not accustomed to seeing such reworkings of the universe. He was always taught that he should hate mage’s, for they tampered with the world god mad, in ways he did not intend. But ever since the Vatican had slaughtered his family, and ended the Mana Knights, he had begun to question the things he had been taught. If magic was so wrong… Why did they all have mana? Why give man the power, if god had not intended him to use it. The concept puzzled Vayne.

He held his sword as he had before, eyeing his target again, preparing to destroy it once more… “Why…” As he uttered this word, he thrust his blade deep into the dummy, twisting it, and shredding it out to the right, causing it to hand there, gutted and mortally wounded, straw falling from its wound. And once more, with its magical enchantment, the doll repaired itself. He held his sword once more in the same position, but this time, he closed his eyes. “Amen…” He then struck out a clean horizontal slash, decapitating the doll, only for it to once more repair…

[Corsair]

A clapping sound came from the knioght's right side.
"Wonderful. Just wonderful/ I think you are the first swordsman I have met that knows how to handle the blade. It is a good sight indeed." Said a soft yet masculine voice as Corsair walked up to the Knight. He probably wouldn't look like much right now as he was clad in his regular clothing and was not using his armour at all. Though in his left hand were two small stones he was absently moving between his fingers.

He stopped a few feet away and smiled.
"Greetings. My name is Corsair. One of the newer people here. What is your name." he said pleasently holding out a hand in greeting.

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

As the boy approached, Vayne held his sword vertically one last time. He nodded, and then slid the blade into its home by his side. He then opened his eyes and smiled at the newcomer. “Hello” He responded, his rather thick accent apparent as he spoke. He extended his hand; firmly gripping Corsair’s and giving him one strong shake as he introduced himself. Vayne retracted his hand, and answered the boy’s question. “My name is…” He paused. So used to introducing himself very formally, he realized that this was perhaps not quite the time for such an introduction. “My name is Vayne” He said finally. “And you might say that I myself am new here” He said truthfully.

Corsair seemed to be a regular person. Casually clothed, and yet Vayne could feel a strong energy flowing from him. His Mana levels obviously rather high. Higher in fact, than Vayne’s own, if only by a bit. It was then that his blue eyes picked up the boy’s small stones as he scanned him a second time, wondering just how he would defend himself should the need arise. “You carry pebbles?” He asked, now focusing on them. “Might you think yourself a modern day David perhaps?” He asked, referring to the famous biblical character, who had fought a giant man named Goliath with but a few stones and a sling… Vayne had suddenly become interested in Corsair, and wished to know more about him almost immediately. He did not however, show this in any sort of aggressive way. He merely stood with a smile as he awaited the boy’s answer.

[Corsair]

A slight chuckle escaped Corsair.
"Pebbels. Oh no my friend. Allow me to elighten you." he said with a casual smile. He didn't even flinch and the dark armour he wore during combat appeared. He left the head uncovered though.
"I am an armour mage with some rune abilities. What besides your swrod abilities do you have up your sleeve?" he asked with a grin. This person didn't take things at face value which Corsair liked alot

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

In a flash, the boy was covered from his shoulders down in an amour, black as night. He explained that his skills with magic came from his armor, and that he had some skills with the mystical symbols known as Runes. An interesting combination indeed. Vayne couldn’t help but wonder where the boy had acquired the stones…

Corsair then inquired of Vayne’s own ability’s, to which he knew not as interesting a method of display, but none the less, he could indeed enlighten the boy. “My skills in magic are not quite as spectacular I must admit. However, they serve their purpose well enough.” He began as he straightened his gloves. An old habit of his… “I am able to take my mana, and transform it into a holy light. What I do with that light will vary, depending on what I need at the time. I can create an impenetrable shield for a time, or I can heal even the most gruesome of wounds in another person. He held out his right palm, and a small glint appeared, slowly forming into a ball of light. The purest, most warm and soft light you could imagine. “Of course, to manifest the light in such a way as this holds little purpose except to identify ones self to my order… But alas, it is little more than a trick these days…” He let the light then fade again, sinking into his palm before he closed it gently.

“Your armor looks quite sturdy m’boy… How did you acquire such a skill? It is not like any ability I have yet encountered, and intrigues me… It seems almost as though… As though it forms from someone’s desire to protect you…” He paused, and his face became natural again. “Oh but what nonsense I’m speaking. It was just a feeling.” He laughed in an accent as thick as his words.

[Corsair]

"So yyou are what most legends would refere to as a palidan of sorts. Thats interesting. I didn't think I'd meet such a person. Well at least not so soon after getting here at the Academy. it seems like you have had to go through more than I have to gain such powers." Corsair said thoughtfully.

"As for my own powers. my armour is inheritant apparently. the first time it appeared a deamon was about to cut me in half. Since then I've been able to summon the armour through sheer will. As for my runes. I have traveld across different parts of this world to seek them out. In fact I am about to go and find another once I pinpoint it's location. Care to join when i find out where to go?" he asked

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

Corsair mused at Vayne being a paladin, something not to far from the truth. And although his sect was now destroyed, he felt that he should still protect the secret of the Mana Knights, so he chose not to correct him. The boy then went on to explain the strange history behind his armor, mentioning a demon attack. This of course intrigued Vayne greatly, as he specialized in such fields. Perhaps this boy had encountered a rupture? By chance? Or was the demon drawn to his location for some reason? He decided it would be something to follow up at a later date.

Corsair then told Vayne of the mystical runes. Objects that generated extraordinary powers to those who knew how to appropriately add their mana into the symbols. Vayne had heard of such objects being used to seal man made gateways to hell. Portals created by occult enthusiasts accidentally. He spoke of grand journey’s to retrieve the stones, and how he intended to try and pinpoint more at a later time. It was then that the offer was made.

“That would depend… I may bring more trouble than I am able to solve. There are those who do not agree with my ideology, and wish me dead for it…” He said with an unsure face. “But. If you expect to encounter demons, then I’m afraid I cannot refuse your request” He added with a slight smile. “Well… If such a chance arises, I shall be glad to lend you my sword in battle” He firmly placed his hand upon Corsairs armored shoulder. “It is my way, after all” He said finally.

[Corsair]

COrsair smiled.
"Thank you. I expect this trip to be a rather hard one. The next runes I am after are rumored to be guarded in several ways. I'm sure at least a few of them will include fighting such creatures." He said. Then another grin appeared. This was was more of anticipation.
"I'm curious." He said as he let his head be covered by the rest ofhis armour giving to his deceptivly dark appearence.
"Would you care to have a small deul. Just training of course. I would love to see what abilities you can use." he said as he stepped back slightly. he of course wouldn't make a move unless his offer was acepted.

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

Corsair confirmed Vayne’s suspicions, telling him that there would most likely be demons of some sort guarding the rune’s he sought. If this was the case, then he felt that he was obliged to become the boys travel companion for the duration of his quest. After all… Dispatching demons was what he did best. His mind then slipped back to the order… As long as he was within the academy, he was safe. A neutral ground of sorts. But the moment he stepped foot outside those walls, he knew he would become free game for them.

His train of thought was broken however, as the boy then materialized the rest of his neo-gothic looking armor. A challenge was issued, and Vayne smiled. How could he refuse such a request? “You propose a duel?” He asked rhetorically. “Then you are indeed a brave one my young friend.” He carefully touched his forehead, then dropped his arm down, lightly tapping his stomach. His arm rose, and tapped his right shoulder, then over to his left. Finally, he brought it back, and kissed the side of is finger. He had clearly drawn a cross over his body. “And may the divine spirit protect you as well” He added, this time aloud, flowing his open fingers down the image of Corsair.

It was then that his hand dropped much faster, and grasped the hilt of his weapon. He drew the blade with speed and precision, dropping lower and using his back foot to throw his momentum forwards, and as his sword was pulled from its scabbard, it would be slashed across Corsair’s chest plate. Vayne knew that his blade was strong enough, and sharp enough to damage the armor… But would his opponent plan for this? Or would he get cocky and try to take the blow directly? In any case, Vayne had the drop on his opponent. So now it was just a question of how good the boy really was…

[Corsair]

Corsair grinned though it could not be seen. This man had a high sense of honor. And Corsair liked such qualities. He gave a bow to show respect and then he focused his powers into hardening the armour instead of it simply materializing. The the attack came in. Corsaid once more smiled. The man nearly moved as fast as himself.

He extended the left blade on his forearm and attaempted to block the attack. The blow was intercepted but it was then that Corsair realized that Vayne was stronger than he. His arm was knocked back though the blade attack was deflected.
Okay he's not outagously stronger than me. But enough to count. Better play this in a more cunning way. He thought as he brought his right arm up for a slash across Vayne's right arm. He knew that even if the arm was seriously injured it could be easily mended at the infirmary.

OOC:Armour is now actually activevated. Con at 12.

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

As Corsair’s arm blade came up to deflect the blow, he was shown the hard way, just how strong Vayne was, as his blade knocked the boy back some feet. It obviously took him off guard, but not for long. He made a quick comeback, lunging forwards in an attempt to gash Vayne’s right arm. This however, was not something Vayne planned on allowing… And so, with a very graceful movement, he twisted to the right, pulling his arm out of the striking ark.

As he avoided the attack, he continued the spin, bringing him around to swing his sword into Corsair’s back in an attempt to strike his back hard. Even if he could not cut through the armor, he would certainly thrust the boy forwards, throwing him off balance. Some may have called what Vayne was doing, toying with Corsair… But this was not how the Knight saw it. No… He was testing the armor mage… Prodding at him, trying to see just where his skills lay. And with each passing move, he was taking in everything about him. It would only be a matter of time before a weakness was found, and subsequently exploited…

[Corsair]

Nice defensive abilities. Quick thinker as well. Corsair thought as the blade came in. He ducked down letting it sail over himand rolled to the side to his feet. He turned facing Vayne with a chuckle.
"You're pretty good. This is definatly going to be interesting." He said. His voice was slightly metallic in his armour. ALmost as if he was more of a machine.

He then dashed back in and held his elft arm up to be ready to defend himself. he knew of several ways to deflect the attacks. Simply blocking simply wasn't going to work with this foe. Under the armour a large smile appeared on Corsair's face. Here was a foe he could already tell was on his level at the least. meaning he was going to have a challenge.

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

Corsair avoided Vayne’s assault with relative ease, causing his sword to harmlessly fly through the air. Vayne recovered quickly from this, but had been left wide open for a few seconds. Seconds that the still developing warrior had not utilized. And so, the knight did what he had been taught to do. He would punish the boy. This opportunity would come a lot faster than he had been expecting as Corsair charged in, his arm blade held high in attack position.

As the charge closed in on Vayne, he acted as he saw best fit the situation… It would take nothing more than a well timed sidestep, and a crack to the back of Corsair’s helmet with he hilt of his sword to send the heavily armor clad youth crashing into the ground. Vayne was not at all sure whether this magical armor was anything like real plate armor… But if it was, than that fall would hurt its wearer more than and heavy blows to its outer shell.

“Your movements are too large and obvious… I can read you like an open book…” He tapped the sword against his right shoulder, watching the boy. “I can promise you… In less than 3 more minutes, I will have found where your weakness is… And when I do, you will require the aid of my healing ability’s… This is a guarantee…” He then stood side on and held his sword out towards the boy. “However… If you wish to avoid that pain, then just say stop at any time, and the duel will end…” His left eyebrow rose slightly as he watched the boy. “So… What will you chose to do, Corsair?” He asked in a serious tone. He seemed different at that moment. No longer quite so carefree… His eyes would betray him to his true fighting nature… If it came down to it… He was now fighting with the will to kill… And it was obvious, that the stakes of the friendly duel had become a whole lot higher…

[Corsair]

COrsair saw the sidestep and he planted a foot in front of him stopping the run and rolled fowards he seemed to have to be on the defense quite a bit. Not surprising considering his physical skills wee not extremely high. He wasn't trained like this person was so he had to rely on his insticts. Neither of them seemed to be able to get a hit in. Since Vayne didn't go after him he was able to stop the roll at his feet and face him.

"Nice try. But I'm not so easy to dispatch." Corsair said in response to the comments and his right arm blades extended as well and he held his arms up.
"So lets kick it up a notch eh?" He said while Vayne was talking and then wind gathered from all directions between the hands he had now just cupped is if he was holding a ball and a visible orb appeared between his hands. He then thrust his hands out. The palms facing his foe and the orb shot out at Vayne traveling fast.

Cosair didn't waste a moment. mentally activating another rune he gained a burst of speed. He move nearly a full quarter faster then Normal. He was mabey a foot behind the orb as it flew at Vayne. He once more had his right arm in a defensive position with the arm at chest level. And his left arm held back after the orb hit or was countered. he would slash at Vayne with his left arm across the chest.
Pretty cocky in some way. then again so am I Corsair thought still smiling.

Two sells used. -2 energy

[Vayne Cardas Solidor]

As Corsair threw his balls of concentrated wind, Vayne noticed a small glow. He saw the same glow moments later, as his opponent charged at him with a significant increase in speed. Vayne’s movements may not have been even remotely as fast as the boys own at that moment, but his mind stayed sharp as a tack. He knew he had limited options, and that if he used any wasteful movements, it would end badly for him.

Quickly and precisely, Vayne swung his sword horizontally with all his strength, extending his mana into the blade of his sword. The sheer force of the swing, combined with the energy he pushed into it, created a thin line of razor sharp wind. And when the two forces met, Corsair’s attack was diminished enough to bring the blasting air to a strong breeze. But his troubles would be far from over… As the wind hit him, he could see Corsair only moments from coming into attacking range. Vayne knew that he could not possibly bring his sword back in time to deflect any attack, let alone deliver one of his own…

With only moment’s to spare, he acted boldly to give him those precious few seconds he would need to strike a blow on the quick youth… And as Corsair would strike at Vayne, bringing his own weapon back into a readied position, he would find his assault thrust back violently, as though he were striking rubber. On that moment of impact, a golden orb would be seen to surround Vayne, and then fall transparent once more. He had used the few moment’s he had between the wind and Corsair’s strike to bring up his shield. But now, as the boy’s arm was forced back, he would lose his balance completely. His body moving forward, and his arm being thrown back, his newfound speed would not make a difference… He was completely open…

And that’s when Vayne made his move… After having watched Corsair closely, and having studied every inch of his armor, he had finally confirmed what he had suspected… In order for Corsair to be able to move within the sturdy outfit, his joints had to have flex and give. And this of course meant that those joints would be the structural weak point in the armor. There was no way they could be reinforced… And so, with his first true opening so far, Vayne brought his blade back behind him with the tip pointed towards Corsair, and continued the fluid motion of recovering after his swipe, driving his sword deep into the boy’s shoulder. As the blade roared towards its target, the transparent barrier faded, and his sword began to glow with the same golden light that had surrounded him moments ago.

And would be that… With no possible way for Corsair to recover his balance in time, Vayne’s sword would inevitably break through any small defenses the joint would put up in protest, as it had been imbued with Vayne’s mana. And as the only direction the off balance fighter had to travel was down, so too would Vayne’s sword follow should he try and roll away again. Only a true miracle could continue the fight, and such things were not exactly commonplace…