[Weapon Duel] Zemina v/s Raiza

The footsteps echoed as Zemina entered the empty arena, across the sandstone floor. She was wearing her basic casual attire, the one she first met this man in. A red cloak, red skirt, and a red bra, with black boots. If all she was to wear was such, her agility would be much better than wearing her armor, plus in such a battle she could not wear armor, as she could only use her sword. That was all she needed to win a match.

Step... Step...

She continued stepping until she was nigh the center of the arena, cloak over her face just as it had been the first time. Her sword wasn't encased in fire - no it wasn't, she didn't want to activate her magic just yet. Sure, she couldn't use a spell but she could still activate her magic, as it was a natural ability that portained to her, just as her Swipe of Agni was, but she highly doubted that this man used any sort of fire magic.

The woman stayed silent, sword now becoming unsheathed and into her hands, the angled blood-red blade with the designs on them, ancient script of the Fire God whose soul rested in such an ancient blade. This sword would not take a life today, it would claim a victory however. This was what both the crimson swordswoman and the sword would do, and Zemina was determined about that.

There was no point in hiding it, Raiza had no intent to use his gunblade's power here since he met Zemina in the woods earlier. The challenge to a duel before they went onto the second half of that journey was fairly up front and coming, almost too predictable truly. Though the hostility was to be expected after all. He was accused of 'following' this woman, and more so no doubt the duel was issued because of the fact he didn't show any hesitation to bring his blade up to defend himself the first time.

The youth finally made it into the arena wearing nothing much at all, just typical black pants and a short sleave shirt. Both seemed to be a thin material, and the very same material he wore under his metal and leather hide armor to prevent all the brushing up against his skin. No signs of any other weaponry other than his Blade of Blood, no he could use his holder weapon, but why? Truthfully, it was an amazing concept in a weapon, especially for nearly any situation. A Gunblade had the potential of mid and long range combat, giving an early initiative, but the sword play on it was that of a typical straight sword. Meaning it would be effective during close range too.

However this other blade was a sword he encountered and had reforged earlier that day, long prior to the match, but only now revealed it. The blade was something Zemina didn't see yet, and the possibility to even use it would be fun. Perhaps this fight would be enough to sooth the tension before pressing on. Especially using a new weapon to show he wasn't exactly lacking in the use of sword play either.

Finally reaching roughly ten meters from Zemina he nodded his head in respect. "I guess you get the first move, you got here earlier" he spoke, not daring to reach out for a hand shake, then again why anyways? It wasn't like she had any respect for him, and in his eyes, the last time they touched, it was her blade on his neck.

Zemina watched as the man approached, holding a brand new sword, one she didn't know. It didn't matter, swords were swords new or old, and the last time he tried to put one up to her it was a gun, so what was it? Did he pity her because he would have the range advantage, because if so he didn't know a thing about fighting. Not one bit, the fact is in a fight the advantage is key, otherwise you would lose immediately. If you don't hold the advantage there iss no point in trying, for the losing side is bound to lose. there were no real underdogs, and that is what she thought.
Zemina saw how close he was, roughly ten meters away. That was enough space for Zemina to get a straight kill for a normal person, but she didn't want this to happen. It wouldn't be interesting. The victory was assured for Zemina, but if something such as victory was certain why not make such a victory interesting?

"You obviously don't have much experience in battle, because you apparently don't know that in a fight you take any advantage you can get..." Zemina didn't finish her sentence yet, as she did a quick two jump-steps, to clear the ten meters instantly with the two steps, keeping her head low to avoid any horizontal swing for her upper body. As she got in close Zemina would do a horizontal slash to Raiza's midsection, and be it hit, dodged, or blocked any outcome Zemina would finish her line. "...Be it range or even just the first hit."

A blank cold stare not breaking his concentration from Zemina's eyes, he locked eyes, trying to keep an attention to where she was aiming as the first jump step was made, his right hand clasped tighter around the hilt of the blade, naturally getting ready for a sword clashed impact, his eyes still not broken from their gaze, but not entirely reliant on that as his field of vision was far from that spectrum of play.

The second jump step was made within a mere moment, as the ten meter distance was closed in on rather ridiculously fast. To understand the opponent, he knew she just gave him an opportunity, but more so he noted her words. He was much more experianced with a sword than a gunblade, many many years told him that at least. Something he didn't yet want to admit as Zemina's blade came at a horizontal angle aiming towards his mid-section, he could end the fight right now had he used his holder item, though what fun would be setting explosives under his sparing partner be?

Watching the blade trial towards his mid-section, Raiza calmly lowered his own blade down to a 30degree angle before pushing it to the side to let the blade clash against the blunt flat side of his own, making sure to side step towards the opposite direction(i.e if you sliced from left to right. I'd step towards the right), still keeping his blade locked with Zemina, in which due to his angle he could begin to drive the blade forward, aiming or Zemina's upper arm, all the while blocking the blade. Regardless if it hit or not, as so long as it got within an inch of Zemina it had a nice little mana siphoning trick.

"Are you indicating we are fighting?" he spoke regardless of his attack hit or missed. He wasn't trying to be mean, but this was no fight to him. No, not because of Zemina, but because this was a spar. Though he only 'fought' with enemies. That was his main downfall.

The single stroke Zemina made was blocked, and that left Zemina stunned inside her mind. The man was able to block a stroke swiftly and at such a close distance, and decided to make his own strike in return. This strike however wouldn't be allowed by the swordswoman, for even a single cut makes the scales of war tip, and if those scales should tip in any way it should be in her favor.

Zemina's strike was blocked, but that wasn't enough to let her off of Raiza. Zemina twirled herself around, avoiding the blade that came from Raiza. The swordswoman spoke while attacking, not deciding to waste anymore time with words alone. In battle there was only one way you should be using your mouth, and that was for cheap purposes. Speaking was not essential, but Zemina decided to amuse Raiza and have a short conversation before the battle was over.

"A fight is a fight, be it a spar or against a demon."

While Zemina twirled around, she moved with it, similar to a ballerina and dancing, Zemina wanted a clear shot to his back, a swift stab to immobilize him, take out his spine to completely paralyze his legs. Zemina thrust her sword forward, the jagged blade's point going for Raiza's back towards the center, where his spine should be. However this stroke was made somewhat to the left by a short amount, given he decide to dodge yet again to the left the blade would slice him with the stroke as well. This may be a sparring setion, however Zemina's interpretation of sparring might simply be a life or death situation.

Remaining quiet as he watched his own trust attack miss from what looked like a ballerina twirl out of the stab. To Raiza it was a flashy dodge but none the less a mistake, or at least he felt it was a mistake. From blocking the horizontal strike, and forcing the blade to be pushed to the side, Raiza had left himself his own opening which he knew the twirl even gave him more time to react. Cause lets face it, in a sword fight, taking your eyes off the opponent to try and dance around like some school girl meant they were over confident. Over confidence can get you hurt, and no doubt Zemina had all the confidence in the world.

Though Raiza knew said confidence wasn't falsely placed either, such confidence meant the opponent had a reason, that or was just lackluster stupid. Which... Raiza had a hard time believing Zemina to be of the latter, besides he saw her sword skill before, right now she was holding back, or at least thats what Raiza interpreted.

Even being so analytical to step out of the clash the moment Zemina went to twirl around, making sure to make use of the various physical traits he possessed. He was only a little taller, which meant a larger stepping possibility, even by a lot, which when he did take a step back before Zemina could even get behind him with some twirling action, he would kick off to gain even more distance having his sword at the ready to ensure any attack his way could be appropriately defended against, even if it was just at least an attempt. In his current sitution, he took this opportunity while Zemina was too busy twirling to be able to logically leap towards him, less she wanted to give him an edge into the combat.

"Flashy moves gives one an opening. Was it not you that said to take advantages? you threw one away just to try and dance around" taking the time out to indeed taunt them even slightly, to Raiza this wasn't a fight either way. He knew hed' have to beat her with skill than anything since his blade wasn't superior to hers. Yet one thing remained true. He knew she was holding back, and right now he was the one that had to take a step back first. The initiative and the skill were in Zemina's hands, which made Raiza only realize the fight wasn't going to last much longer.

Zemina had a fiery glare when he spoke. The woman didn't mind that he dodged, because it wasn't really an attack as much as it was Zemina dodging his attack, and then just taking the chance to strike back. However under the cloak worn by the woman was someone that was determined to win, wether it be with or without her magic.

"For someone trying to use my actions against me you sure are making some distance with me. If I scare you that much then this should terrify you." Zemina poured her magic into the blade, and in turn it began surrounding itself and becoming completely encased in fire. The once red eyes now glowed a fiery orange, and the hair of the woman began turning snow white, all of which happened within an instant. "My blade is that of the Fire God, what be yours?" The woman cracked a smile, then began to step towards the man, slowly, sword in hand but to the side. She was ready for an attack, she would let him come at her instead of vice versa, because Zemina was tired of having her attacks not hit. It was an unusual feeling for the swordswoman. The power of a god was released, and so did the strength of her blade. The fire encasing the blood-red blade gave off a purplish glow, indicating that the power of one of Zemina's abilities was within it.

Wether this match was going to continue longer than need be or just right has now been decided, Zemina wouldn't make the fight interesting as much as she thought she wanted, the victory was closely within grasp so she was going to take it.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
HP: 200 (we havent been keeping track)
MP: 100%
CDs/Durations: None
Buffs: 10% boost in power to fire (which is just about every attack)

Sighing as the woman spoke about the power of a god. Raiza knew his was of a demon...no with what Azrael told him... his powers would soon be deriving from the reaper himself. Though be damned if he'd even begin to divulge such private information. "I'm not using my special blade, so this one isn't going to compare up to your fire god sword. My true blade though, sorry telling you where it derives from may be a bit much." though right now, it only came from his console game magic. Sadly until he went and progressed like Azrael told him to, he'd not be able to tap into any of the reaper powers just yet.

"oh and no you do not scare me, but you are rather excessive, so caution is needed.", then again Raiza knew he was beat in sword play. He trained with a sword for many years, but while he had the power over this woman, they had the speed of a myrmidon, agile and accurately dangerous. Something they may not have noticed, and Raiza kept it fairly under-wraps was the level of skill difference here was not just a simple step.

Wrapping his second hand around the hilt of the sword taking a few steps forward he kept his gaze at the woman before him, more importantly, he kept his gaze at her eyes, trying to approach carefully. The next few strikes were going to be evidence enough of whom would win, and whom would lose. Though for him to acknowledge this meant that he was losing his pride in such a way he felt like the match was already over. Should he just call it quits based on the loss he foresaw?

Taking another step forward but this time he kicked off with the step causing him to burst forward into a few meters distance when he landed to come in close contact and within sword clash range, he would swipe towards Zemina's blade trying to test the metal against the flame sword.

---

HP: 200 (wasn't going to till I got hit)
MP: 100%
CDs/Durations: None

"The reason for caution is fear for the worst possible outcome, so therefor you are scared of me." Zemina continued walking slowly, not with caution or with fear, just walking. One would call it cocky, but for Zemina she just calls it determination. For what she saw so far she has Raiza on the ropes, as he keeps trying to avoid Zemina's attacks and "proceed with caution" meaning that he just can't stand to Zemina. She was better than he was, and he knew it himself. He was testing her skill, not really determined to win.

Zemina however, was.

As he swiped toward her sword Zemina tightened her grip, the flaming sword shooting off a bit of fire as the two swords connected, however Raiza's blade was within one of the jagged ends of the fire sword, one fact that made Zemina's sword superior to most. It had the ability to easily disarm others, who don't keep good grips on the sword. However as Raiza previously showed he can keep his hands on his sword quite fine, so Zemina did the same tactic but instead only thought disarm to be a "bonus." Zemina swung her sword to the top diagnol opposite direction (i.e if you swiped towards your left im swiping to my left/your right) and quickly changed the direction of the sword, slashing downward diagnolly towards Raiza's chest, intending to leave a bleeding slice in his chest, with a burning effect just for fun. Wether he was disarmed or not wasn't jer concern, however if he was it was only a plus for her.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
HP: 200
MP: 100%
CDs: None
Buffs: 10% boost to all fire-related attacks
Possible Damage Done: 22 (50% x 40 + 20, 20 x .10 = 2, 20 + 2 = 22)

"Caution shows the lack of stupidity in a fight or a spar, it shows I will approach in a tactical way. If you wish to call me being scared, so be it. At least I know the difference" his words no longer trying to be friendly as his sword was swiped at, though the flames that shot out had scorched a bit of his arm and shoulder. Sadly this meant close range would prove difficult yet thats all they were doing was close range. Though at the same time, Raiza was getting to the point he was fed up with this spar already. The fight was dragged out longer than it should, he was able to block the first strike, and second. His first and second were blocked just as equally, except this time, he couldn't block those damn flames that left a nice little scorch mark on him, even just so slightly.

Though he did recognize the sword swing that was used to strike at him, one that meant a possible disarm, yet his sword wasn't a typical design either, it had razor edges and jagged edges running down both sides(see appearance), this meant swings going upwards against the jagged edges would find the blade quickly stopped on the jagged parts, though it would typically give someone an edge to disarm except in this case, Raiza was not only having a tight grip, but he had used both hands on his blade(as stated last post) on his swing, and thus much more strength was put into the blow, especially with his blade meant for a tearing like action.

Even to now he didn't look like he was trying to win, yet he pushed fairly hard against Zemina's blade, just trying to force her back with his own weight and size over her, while it was true he was out skilled, it didn't mean he wasn't skilled, even though he had already grown bored of this 'fight' he was apparently having, to the point he almost did wish it was a duel with magic, at least then he' shut the girl up about this whole 'scared' bit, at least he knew what a spar was though.

---

HP: 200 - x (Idk how much the 'fire' that shot off the blade did please inform and next post I'll have the calculations out)
MP: 100%
CDs/Durations: None

Zemina didn't respond this time, finding him getting fairly annoying. Not just him, however, this duel. Zemina had enough with this, and decided to just end the duel. It was clear that Raiza wasn't trying to win, with his effort alone even a child could decieve that. Zemina was pushed a bit back, but once again she decided to use this to her own advantage. The man had more weight and raw physical strength than she, and so put more force into his attacks, thus the reason for her to be able to be pushed back by him. While normally this would be a downfall for Zemina, not with the current position. He was forcing his sword down, putting his momentum to force Zemina back. She however held onto her blade and posture, holding her position as she was forced back a bit, but once about 5 seconds went by she took her chance.

Zemina brought her sword to her waist, while simultaneously sidestepping. This way, Raiza would be forced forwward due to the sheer force he put into pushing Zemina back, much like when two children are playing tug of war and one child lets go, sending the other sprawling backwards. The same would result with Raiza, except instead of backwards, it would be forwards onto his face or if he decides to catch himself, either way leaving him open, and this window was one Zemina was taking. The swordswoman took her fiery blade, and slashed at his open ribcage, not as a sign of "I'm going to kill you" but as a sign of "give up you know you won't win." This would be a wound that could impare fighting ability, and even if missed would still show that Zemina meant for this battle to end. He wasn't trying, anyways so that was annoying to the swordswoman. An enemy that doesn't fight back is what's known as a pest, a bug that should be squashed. Raiza was this bug. While Zemina held nothing against Raiza, Zemina on the battlefield was much different than Zemina in her social life. She could take the life of an acquantence if she needed, and inflicting a burning wound that could be treated at the hospital would require no second thoughts from the woman.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
HP: 200
MP: 100%
Buffs: 10% boost to all fire based attacks
CDs: None
Possible Damage Dealt This Post: 22
Damage dealt last post: 11 (dividing basic damage by four and factoring in damage boost)

The annoyed gaze on his face only showed when Zemina had been being pushed back, obviously a ruse, though Raiza decided to buy into it. Sure, why not? Give the swordswoman that already knew she was better an opening. Even if Raiza wasn't that far behind her in skill, the difference in tools they used was his own downfall, though his strikes that were blocked were actually not as heavy as they could have been considering he didn't need to put the force he was putting into any of the strikes. 'this is where my gunblade would just be useful, rather than buying into this crap, I'd just step out of it as this woman is obviously going to...', and almost as if he started to care, though he truly didnt, he waited for the next attack.

Almost as if he called it, he felt pressure release from his attack, though he wasn't putting a lot of force into it, but rather letting momentum of his larger blade, and more so, his two handed stance to follow through with the strike, though not as the woman expected. True the impact would still happen, but might as well end the fight now right?

His left hand would leave the sword's hilt and grasp onto the sheath, and due to the ammount of effort it took, it'd not be done in time, but still be done in time to prevent anything too 'fatal' It was annoying, but none the less, he brought his sheath up to block the majority of the blade strike to his ribs, even though the impact still hit, the block prevented it from going too deep before he kicked off from the position he was at.

Though he wasn't the type to drag the fight on any further, he sighed either way. Now that we established why you couldn't save your lover, lets go avenge him, cause this is just a pointless spar that is being dragged on far too long for my tastes.Especially when I can just regenerate all the damage you've been doing so far." truly, he held no interest in fighting someone like this. Though if they decided to continue a fight, this would start to no longer become such a petty sword contest.

Though with a few choice words, and the distance he had between them now, he flicked his sword to the side, it having restored a few of it's nicks, obviously part of the blade's magic itself before a quick sheathing action took place. "If you are going to try and continue this spar, I think we'll continue it on a later date instead, when you have matured a bit, and I've actually started to give a damn about sparing the likes of you"

---

HP: 156 (200 -11 from last post sorry about that -22 from this post. also due to the kind of wound I received I'm dealing additional damage to myself counting it as a heavy from you, and thus an additional -11 )
MP: 100%
CDs/Durations: None

Zemina growled at his words. Now that we've established why you couldn't save your lover... This was calling her weak, and she knew that she herself was far from it. While of course she couldn't compare to the likes of an H rank mage or something, she was still nowhere near weak, or someone without magic. But as she began to prepare her sword again, a word clicked in her mind. Lover? Bah, Dai was far from a lover. She loved him, yes, but as moreso a brother. They were good friends to such an extent, that it felt like she lost a sibling when she saw Dai die (lolz, the pronounciation).

"Do not assume one's love, especially when you don't know much about them. I had no interests in such a way with my late friend." Zemina went the opposing way as Raiza, stopping when he spoke. "If you forfeit, then our quarrel is over. I don't need to continue on a later date. And by the way, don't say 'you've given a damn about sparing me,' because honestly I wasn't fighting you as an enemy. Sure I was fighting, but had you been an enemy I would have tried much harder, and killed you. See who's mature, after you think about the fact that I treat you as someone that I dare protect, even in the case that we are opposing once another." Zemina's sword's flame dissapeared, and its jagged-like appearance went into the sheathe. With that, Zemina left, claiming victory as she had once assumed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Victory post, i assume

(yup good match. If you want me to post a final response, simply PM me and I'll edit this into a final rp post, other than that, Raiza left the arena as well)

edit: yup after pm. That was the ending post. Good match. Raiza lost.