Relearning (Zachria)

[Brandon (Tech)]

A scimitar sped through the air towards to Tech, who repelled it with one of his wristblades, blocking off his throat. He replied with a wide sweep with the wristblade attached to his other arm, his opponent effortlesly dodging by taking a step back. Tech grinned at this, stepping forwards and pressing his movement by striking again, a thrust with his wristblade towards his foes chest.

This was met with a powerfull kick in his ribs, however, the already impressive strength magnified by Tech's forward movement. Tech felt air being knocked from his lungs as he was forced backwards, his attack missing and his defense down. A quick swing of a scimitar and he managed to dodge it by leaning backwards and thereby falling onto his back. His opponent stepped onto his chest with one foot to keep him down, and looked smiling down at his beaten foe. "Dead" he whispered, as he sent his scimitar whisteling towards Tech's throat. Tech closed his eyes as the edge made contantact with his throat, the cold metal impacting flawlesly on his vital arterie.

"Get up" The figure spoke, taking his foot off his chest. "You're not dead, I hope" He grinned, thrusting one of his scimitars into the ground and offering Tech his hand. His name was Jonathan Blanchard, or at least that was what he told people. He was tall, slim and in good shape, his purple eyes and milk-white skin supporting the all but tangible predator aura he gave off. He wore a long, open trench-coat with a tight-fit T-shirt underneath. He also wore a pair of loose-fit pants that effectively concealed his legs, as well as a decent pair of shoes and gloves, leaving his head and neck as the only visible parts of his skin. All his clothes were made from the same mysterious jet-black fabric, that never seemd to get dirty, smelly or uncomfortable.

Tech let his blades slide back in place in place and took the offered hand. Jonathan was one of the few other paranormal cases he had come across in the time he had spent as a cyborg among the people of New York. "You really oughtta get back in shape" Jonathan remarked, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. "You never know what might come after you" He lit his cigarette and put both the packet and the lighter away, knowing that Tech didn't smoke. "Why don't you try and ask around, ther are bound to be someone who will practice with you?" He asled Tech, indicating the entire fighting grounds with a wave from his gloved hand. "What about that guy over there with the horns, he looks like he's up for a fight!" Jonathan redirected his attention to the person he had indicated. "Oi you! Come over here, I gotta ask you something"

[Zacharia]

Zacharia had took to examining his surroundings. He was fascinated with the Academy. This place... I will surpass my father learning here. His excitement only grew when he found there was a training facility on site. He practically ran in, his sword strapped to his back. He slid to a halt as he watched two combatants locked in a fierce battle.

His blood ran hot as he watched the skill the two displayed. Back and forth, a dance only warriors could appreciate. He could have watched it all day. But, as with most everything, it didn't last. One ended up with an advantage, and overcame the other.

"Now you die"

They kill the loser here? His eyes grew wide, and his smile broadened as he watch the weapon come down upon the victims throat then... nothing. No blood, no death. It was only a sparring match. Then he remembered the sign. It said "training." For a moment, it was almost like home. Alas, this was a school in the mortal realm, and he would have to adjust to their rules.

The winner of the spar had addressed him, and curiosity got a hold. It was the call that broke his thoughts, and he had no idea why he was being summoned. He approached, walking with all the confidence his demon blood gave him. Once he reached the one who addressed him he spoke.

"What did you want?"

[Brandon (Tech)]

Jonathan smiled at the confidence that was exuded by the spectator, confidence was a thing that was essentiel to combat. "My and my friend here was wondering if you were up for a match? He's a little rusty, but he'll give a bit of sport if nothing else" He said, indicating Tech. Tech was wearing his usual brown sweater, denim pants and baseball cap, the latter doing a poor job of concealing the mechanic replacement that covered the upper right part of his face, including most of his cheek and his eye. His hands were also mechanically replaced, but his sweater concealed that from his wrists and back towards his elbows.

Tech had been silent until now, truly loathing another loss at the hands of Jonathan. It was true that Jonathan was nothing short of a legend back in the streets, but the loss still felt bitter and unwanted, he hated losing. "I'm Tech" he introduced himself to the guy Jonathan had called over, much to Tech's dissaproval, but he would try and make the best of it. He offered him his hand, the dark metal gleaming in the sun. "Well you two seem to be getting along fine" Jonathan said, smiling like a snake. "I'll be off now, but I do look forward to hear what went down here. Take care" He strolled towards the city of Babylos, and ultimately home to New York. He had a lot to tell at home.

"Don't mind him" Tech said when Jonathan was well out of earshot. "He's a prick, always was and always will be. But are you up for a round or two? I sure could use the exercise"

[Zacharia]

Now, Zacharia was no stranger to combat. He had seen plenty of action back at home, and he always loved a good fight. But, as he was in the mortal realm now, he had to abide by their rules. He listened to the one he was about to face. As he raised his hand in greeting, the demon noticed that he was not any normal human, something he did not notice before while watching him fight a few moments ago.

My first day here and I am already going to get to see the skills of one of the student body. I assumed this would happen, but not right away. This will prove to be most enjoyable. For what little he had seen of the Academy, he was thoroughly pleased. He believed that this place would give him the knowledge he needed... the very thing which he sought. Yes, this Academy would give him the power... make him stronger than he could have hoped to be if he had stayed back home under his father's watch. He took the boys offered hand as he introduced himself.

Exorcise? You have no idea... "My name is Zacharia. I accept your challenge, but I want to be clear on the rules. Where I come from, things are a bit... different. I want be sure I am clear on everything before we begin." He released the hand shake. Hurting the metallic human was not what Zacharia had a problem with. In his home, only the strong remain. That is why he wore that ripped and tattered cape. It proved he had seen battle, won those fights, and was still alive. The losers of a one on one battle were not as lucky as they were up here. However, he did not want to risk being thrown out of the building, loosing the one chance he had to surpass his father. So, for now, he would play by there rules.

[Brandon (Tech)]

Tech had spent the least few seconds performing a thorough analysis off his new opponent. It revealed enough to tell him that he was in for a more even fight, although it would be all but an easy fight. His foe had seen battle before, there was no doubt of that, and he knew how to fight. Tech had already begun planning a basic strategy when he heard his foe's question. "We fight until surrender, or until unconsciousness. No killing or permanent harm if that's what you were wondering." Tech let the wristblade on his right arm slide out and began charging up the purifyer in his right. He took a few steps back and readied himself.

He was all but a stranger to combat, that was one of the porpouses he had been created for. He had had an advanced CQC (Close Quarter Combat) program installed, and he had modified it to include the physical alterations that he had performed since, mainly his purifyer and his wristblades. The wristblades were of an anti-energi metal, effectively allowing him to defend against magic attacks with it, but also rendering the purifyer in that hand useless, the energi absorbed by the blade upon launch.

He took a solid denfensive stance that he could convert into a charge if neccesary. "I forgot to tell you, the loser buys the winner a drink" He grinned, "You ready?" He was

[Zacharia]

Zacharia tilted his neck to each side, cracking it. Up to now, the only part of his sword that was visible was the handle. He reached for it, grasping it with his right hand. He drew the blade out and let it swing in an arch slamming into the floor, effectively leaving a crack. He smiled, ready to test himself against this "A drink? Fine by me."

He lifted his sword, and pointed it at his opponent. "I'll warn you... this is a vorpal blade. It has cut through dragon hide, and destroyed many a blade. I hope you can protect yourself." He may be a demon, but he had a sense of honor. "Where I come from, even the paring matches, the loose lost not only the match, but his life. That is why I asked for your rules."

He drew back, the sword pointed away now, his left arm in front. As he eyed his opponent, his left hand began to glow. Zacharia was preparing to give Tech a fight he wouldn't soon forget. "One last thing. You are facing a demon, and a son of the general of the demon army. Do not hold back, or you will loose. Prepare yourself!" With that, he raced forward, and swung his vorpal blade in a diagonal down his body. Though the blade appeared to be extremely heavy, Zacharia was able to move it with little effort and great speed. Tech was in for a very difficult battle indeed.

[Brandon (Tech)]

Tech had shut down all concious thought, eleminating most kinds of distraction. He stood his ground as Zacharias charged at him and, just two yards between them, darted to the side, unleashing the charged bolt at Zacharias as he lifted his sword, aiming for his now unprotected gut. He would then set off and thrust his left wristblade for the ribcage of his foe. It was a lethal, should it hit home, but Tech seriously doubted that his opponenet would fall that easily.

The thoughts, although shut off, were still running through his subconsiouss mind. His analytic mind was eagerly analyzing and storing the data gathered, and his scientific instinct was also fully active.A demon he says, and a strong one? I must get a sample of his blood for research after the fight

[Zacharia]

Zacharia's eyes widened as the bolt came, hitting him in the chest. It was like a bolt of lighting, similar to some of the spells he had encountered before. Thankfully, to him, the damages was minor. However, it still hurt, and prevented his attack. Tech's wrist-blade attack was not as successful. Zacharia shifted his body, and brought the blade in front of his chest, locking up with his mechanical opponent's weapon.

A dark smile formed on the demon's face. "I wasn't expecting that. But, it won't happen again." He brought his left hand forward, his palm out, and fingers spread. The dark glow intensified, and Zacharia spoke. "Sephanos Darkareoss Orbestas!" The sphere of dark energy shot out form the demons palm. At the distance the two were, Tech would have to be able to move at quite a speed to avoid the spell. The spell was toned down a bit, as killing his opponent was not an option. The was meant to cause pain, and give Zacharia some distance.

Originally, he had assumed this would be a physical fight only. But, if it was spell work that this other student wanted, then Zacharia would give it too him. Once he backs off, I will unleash the Dark Flame. If he tries to withstand it, the pain will cause him to pass out.

[Brandon (Tech)]

Tech knew that there was no way he could block off or dodge the attack in time, and simply braced his neural system for the unavoidable impact. The orb hit him like a strong punch, Tech turning a backwards windmill to distrbute the pressure through his body and avoid losing balance. His mind told him that the affected tissue had been crippled by overburdening of energy, which in english meant that the dark orb had left a blaze on his chest.

He could smell his scorched skin, the smell lingering distustingly in his nostrils. His subconcious added ´get a new shirt´ to his ´to do´ list. He charged again, both of his blades out thos time. That way, he should be able to fend off most of whatever his foe threw at him, magocal or otherwise.

[Zacharia]

The spell had worked and Zacharia took a few steps back as Tech was regaining his balance. This was all the time he would need. Quickly re-sheathed he sword, and aimed both of his open palms at his opponent. "Sephanos Darkareoss Flameros!" The flames, purple and black in color, flew forth from Zacharia's hands as Tech charged forward. The flames were widespread, hitting a large area.

The odd thing of this flame was that it did not burn their surroundings. Not a single wall, or other object ignited. It was not a flame that effected non-living things. Only that which was alive, human or not, could feel the burning from within.

If Tech was hit with the flame, his metal parts would remain untouched. However, the pain that effected the human section would surely take it's toll.

[Brandon (Tech)]

[glow=red,2,300][shadow=red,left,300]Agony[/shadow][/glow]
Tech felt the all consuming pain wash through his flesh, metal unable to feel. The pain washed through his body like a tidal wave, disabling the logic control system that had controlled his actions so far. Emotions flooded into his mind as the agony seemed to tear at his soul, and with the emotions came memories. "Nooo" He groaned, the memory of the night that had changed him leaking from the spot where he had sought to seal it away. "NOOOOOO!" He yeled, in a vain attempt to take the tip of the mental torment that far surpassed his physical suffering. [glow=red,2,300]Pain, must relieve pain, gotta get rid of pain, must.... hurt.[/glow]

He turned his gaze back at the figue woh had now sheathed his sword, standing with his hands outstretched toward Tech. The thought that the pain came from him didn't occur to Tech, simply because he didn't care. Instead he launched himself at the horned figure, bellowing his torment to the air. One of his wristblades were outstretched for the guys gut, while the claws protruded from his fingertips on the other, the energy building at a dangerously high level in the purifier. He was going to keep the guy busy with wild attacks from his wristblade, then latch on to him with the claws and unleash the energy in his arm through the palm, causing severe pain and damage. If he was going to suffer, he was definitly not going to suffer alone...

[Zacharia]

As Tech writhed in agony, Zacharia smiled. The screams of torment was something he took great pleasure in hearing. He had ended the lives of so many before, most of who were in opposing armies, or challenged him for their own personal gain. He was not allowed the kill here, and so he used the dark flame, a spell that could consume a person in a burning wave of pain. He was winning, or so he thought.

Tech was advancing. What? This can't be right. He should be passing out, or at least crumpled on the floor! Wha... He dropped his hands, avoiding the wild shot with the wrist blade. Something isn't right. He is different... like a wild beast. He ended the pain of the spell, dropping it completely, and drawing his sword once again. Another wild blow, this one parried. However, he brought his arm out just a tad too far. Another wild shot, this one slashing at his flesh. He had stepped back, but only enough to keep this wound form being deadly. The blades still cut, but not deep enough to slow him down.

He continued to block the attacks, but his attention was drawn to the device which was humming with power. He remembered what a small blast had felt like, and he was able to deal with those. However, a large blast at that range, and Zacharia would be in a world of trouble. He needed to knock his opponent out if he hoped to survive this battle.

He aimed his sword carefully, and locked Tech's wrist blade up. He chanted as he brought his hand up, this time aimed at Tech's head. "Sephanos Darkareoss Orbestas!" The orb fired from his palm, headed for the boy's skull. If it stunned him, Zacharia would continue to pelt his opponent, until he was unconscious. If he missed, he would be one sorry demon-kabob.

[Brandon (Tech)]

Tech snarled with satisfaction as his blade hit home, spilling blood. The pain in his flesh had faded, but the torment in his mind only grew worse. He had failed them, practically betrayed them and they had died because of him, and that memory drove him far beyond the boundries of his sanity. He was in a state of berserk rage, guided by his internal computer.

He had not yey had a satisfactory chance to unleash his energy at his foe, but when he saw Zacharias perform the same action that had impacted on his chest, a bestial smile crossed his face. He grabbed the outstretched hand with his clawed one, the other being forced away by Zacharia's blade, he dug his razor sharp claws into the back of Zacharia's hand and unleashed the blast. The next thing he knew he was flying through the air before landing on the ground, hard...

[Zacharia]

He was sure he could knock his opponent out, when a metallic hand closed around his own, just as the spell was released. A blast had come from his opponent as well, and it wasn't long before Zacharia was airborne, flying back about thirty feet before landing hard, his back slamming into the ground beneath him. He was conscious, but in pain. He struggled to get to his feet, using his sword to help him gain his footing. He looked over to Tech, the boy still lying there unmoving. Was he dead? Zacharia made his way over, but slowly. He could still fight, but barely. He had never faced an opponent like Tech before, and the battle had been very satisfying. I haven't felt pain like that in a long time. I truly hope he is not dead...

It was more than a fear of being thrown out of school. He respected the one who had given him a most wonderful battle. He knelt next to the unmoving body. Reaching out, he shook the boy, hoping for some sign he was alive. "Tech? Wake up Tech. The match was a draw, but I'll buy you a drink anyway. For a fight like that, it's worth it." Hopefully it would snap the boy into awareness, and he would be in a better frame of mind.

[Brandon (Tech)]

Tech heard a voice in the distance, lost in pleasant dreams and memories from the past. Sitting by the lake, holding her hand, seeing her smile. He smiled in his dreams, believing, because he wanted to, that he was living through that time again. But the voice was persistent and so was the ache in his head. He got up slowly, supporting himself on his right arm. His mind registered what Zacharia had said. He managed to support himself on his legs, standing wobbly but not falling.

He couldn't remember all that had happened, but whatever it was it seemed to have ended in an explosion and a draw. "Cheers friend" Tech said, managing a smile. "Let's buy each other a drink then, then we'll both be happy." Zacharia looked like he had also taken a bit of blast, and Tech could see what he meant when he said it was a draw. "I gotta say it dude" Tech began, moving towards the exit. "You fight pretty darn well to" He left the the fighting scene, the thought of collecting the spilled blood not crossing his mind. He had found something more important there