Let's Battle
 

[Just a Lord of the Rings or D&D or whatever style battle. I said partners but if only one other person shows right off, we can go ahead and start and other people can join in later.]

[If you kinda start off the story a little bit more id be glad to join]

[Right now im kinda lost, so I cant come up with a character that would fit in]

[Sounds a lot like the Matrix]

Okay I changed it. You should have no trouble joining in on this one.

*bump* C'mon! Someone join!!!!

*bump again* Alright, seriously. Someone join in! It'll be fun I promise!

well... how exactly does this work? i'd be interested, but who DMs? what edition D&D rules do we use...?

gimme some rules, first! :D

Uh, I wasn't thinking of any rules. The point is more to develop a cool fight story than actually determine who wins the fight. That way, people can join as we go along, and it's lots of fun to read after we're done. It will go something like this I think.

Eldaire began with a direct charge. He almost flew across the ground, pulling his sword and shield from his back. He swung the sword with great force at his opponent.

X easily dodged the heavy sword and used his incredible speed to creat a lot of distance between the two of them. As Eldaire turned around, X began throwing daggers from is infinite magical supply with incredible speed and accuracy at Eldaire.

etc.

Okay, I moved this so that we can start reading here.
 

Eldaire steps to the middle of the open field. The wheat blows gently in the wind. The field is about two miles in diameter. To the north was a thick forest of green trees. To the east was a large mountain range with high snowy peaks. To the west, a barren desert of rock and sand. To the south, the ocean. Eldaire was struck for the beauty of it. So many different terrains within two miles of one another.

Eldaire was a large man, but no giant. We weighed about 200 pounds and was about 6 feet tall. His long blonde hair blew freely and unkept in the wind. Strapped to his back was a huge broadsword. It had a black handle, a silver hilt, a long silver blade, and a white stone at the bottom encased in a silver ring. The stone gave the sword slight magical properties and the sword glowed with a soft white light. Strapped over the sword was a huge white shield with a light blue cross painted across it. The shield was also enchanted to make it capable of defending against magical attacks. Eldaire wore only light chain vest for armor. His pants were normal leather pants and so were his shoes. At his belt, he had 5 small metal spheres each imbued with a different element: earth, fire, wind, water, energy. The spheres had weak magic on them as well, and did little more damage upon contact than the damage of throwing them in the first place. Eldaires magical abilities were severely limited. He knew only a simple fireball spell, a simple healing spell, a simple defense spell, and a simple speed enhancement spell.

The ground shakes and a hole opens up about 30 feet away from Eldaire. The stench of brimstone and sulfur assaults his sense of smell, but he stays focussed on the strange being that just emerged from this earthen portal.

As the dust clears, he sees that a man wearing some kind of metallic red armour is facing him. He bears no visible weapons, but his armour is spiked at the gauntlets, elbow guards, shoulder guards, knee and shin guards, as well as on the feet. The spikes are about three inches long, but are wickedly barbed. His torso and back armours plates are free of them, but bear the sigil of some kind of black, fiery beast. His horned helmet covers much of his head and darkens his face, save for a pair of glowing orange eyes. With a gravely voice, the being speaks:

"I am Szanod, Master of the Akuma Style and guardian of the gates to the 3rd Nether Realm. You seek a challenge, consider it met."

The fighter then rears back to let out a fierce battle cry and charges his opponent with astonishing speed.

The sky darkens to a black pitch, overhead a vortex forms, oddly windless it touches down to earth with a deafning roar. As the vortex abates, a figure stands clothed in black. Unworldly black armor is formed to a tall imposing figure of indeterminate age. Over each shoulder peakes on silver sword hilt, and over the other a hilt of the deepest black. In his hand a spear blinding bluish white.

A voice carrying all the threat of coming hurricane in the distance echoes over the plain

"Doubly met"

Eldaire is astonished at the power of his challengers. Wow, this is going to be the fight of his life. He may easily die. He's never fought anyone this powerful before.

"I'm getting excited!" he says aloud.

This was going to be so much fun for him. He jumped to the side just as Szanod was about to make contact. The force of his missed punch caused the wheat to ripple all the way to at least a hundred yards ahead of where he had thrown it. Eldaire the ran with all his speed towards the east.

Szanod looks like he's awfully fond of fire. Let's see how well he handles the snow.

Once Eldaire reached the base of the mountains, he began jumping 20 ft. or so at a time. He glanced quickly over his shoulder to see how close his foes were.

After watching form a distance for sometime, a young man appears out of the tall wheat field.

He stands only 5'5 and his shaggy brown hair sweeps across his face, covering his dark penetrating eyes from view, as the wind passes over the plane.

He wears a black tank top and loosely fitting black cotton pants, a modest outfit. Attached to a wide black sash tied around his waist is a katana fixated in the middle of his lower back and canted to the right side at a slight angle.

Surveying the beautiful surroundings and the fight in front of him, he says in a low voice.

"This seems fun..."

Noticing that Eldaire seemed to be fleeing from the battle, the young man quickly took off for the base of the mountain.

He swiftly passed the two opponents still remaining at the original site of battle.

"Coward..." he thought to himself, "What kind of man runs to the hills at the start of the battle? We'll see how he runs after i get hold of him."

Again using his god-like speed, the young man began to traverse the rocky side of the mountain, bouncing from boulder to the next, until he was caught up with Eldaire.

Timing his motions just right, the young man was able to jump right in front of his moving opponent, getting a wide-eyed stare of surprise from Eldaire as a reaction.

They both stopped, nearly 500ft up the mountain, and stared at each other.

"Why run fighter? Why not show me your skills with that medieval trash sword you carry." the young man taunted, as he drew his own sleek katana from its sheath, holding it closely to his side, preparing for battle.

Man! I thought I was fast! This guy is incredible! I don't even remember seeing him orignially. He looks just as tough as the other two. He may not have the same magical potency emminating from his body, but I can tell by his motions and the way he carries himself that he's nobody to be fooled around with. He's completely confident.

"I run from nobody. Just trying to gain the strategic advantage is all."

Eldaire surveyed his snowy surroundings.

"It appears I have accomplished my goal. Now, I'm going to begin. I don't want to catch you off gaurd so prepare yourself!"

Eldaire then charged, pulling sword and shield at once, preparing to strike, but just as he got close, the katana came flying towards him. He managed to move his body mid-air just in time.

Woah! That looked like one big blur to me.

He landed on his side in the snow, rolled and pushed himself to his feet, holding his shield in gaurding position, preparing for the attack.

"Cocky prick! Who the hell do you think you are." the young man sneered, while falling to the ground and positioning himself in a fighting stance after jumping to meet his opponent.

"A true warrior looks for no advantages in battle, and instead fights with honor. I may be a bit mericless and relentless, but I never look advantages."

Then with a slight smirk on his face the young man interjected, "Of course in your case, you may need all the advantages you can get your hands on. Now prepare to fight a TRUE WARRIOR!"

At this moment, the young man seemd to dissapear in a spray of light snow. he reappeared to the left side of Eldaire, who stood ready in a defensive stance. he then again seemed to disapear.

An instnce later, the young man stood directly next to Eldaire and caught him with a punch to the torso. Eldaire qucikly reacted with a backhand punch of his own, still holding his sword, catching the youngman offguard in the low back.

The youngman back off about 10 yards, feeling a deep pain in his lower back.

' Did he purposely get hit so he could strke me?' the youngman thought to himself.

"Heh, a good trade I'd say," boasted Eldaire.

This guy may be fast, but I obviously have the strength advantage. I need to keep that in mind.

He reached for one of the spheres, ignoring the terrible pain in his ribs from the punch. He pulled out the fire one, glowing a gentle red and warming his numb hands.

"I'm sorry if this is not honorable, but I'm about to take another advantage."

Eldaire then focused his will, grabbing hold of the fabric of reality, shaping it. Within a second, the magic spell was cast. The world seemed to slow down and become distant from Eldaire. The acceleration spell had worked perfectly. He threw the sphere at the mysterious nameless samurai with great speed. Even so, the samurai managed to cut it clean in half mid-air, sending the two sides away from him. However, the magic spell in the sphere was then released and a blast of flame erupted in front of him. Eldaire was instantly behind the samurai, hoping to catch him off gaurd. He came down hard with his heavy sword, but the samurai easily stopped the blow dead in its tracks with his blade. Eldaire made no attempt to hide his shock. Not only had this warrior managed to outspeed him in spite of acceleration, he wasn't even phased by what should have been at the very least an extremely distracting tactic. On top of that, he had stopped the broad sword with his skinny little Japanese sword.

Uh-oh. This isn't looking good.

' Is it me or did this guy just get a hell of a lot faster. I mean, still no match for me, but pretty damn fast for a big guy. Better watch myself, could be problems.' the youngman thought.

"Well, I'll give it to you that you're a lot better than gave you credit for, but if that cheap trick was the extent of our strategy then I'd have to say you are shit out of luck."

"What do you mean?" questioned Eldaire.

"Well, you just gave me an unneeded advantage you half-wit. Your little fire spell the snow in this area, giving me more tractiion to maneuver with. Like I said, unneeded to defeat you, but still an advantage." the youngman explained.

"I thought you said you didn't use adantages." Fired back Eldaire.

" I said I didn't look for them, not I didn't use them, but if you are going to whime you simpleton I'll oblige your concerns."

With this, the yuong man began to give off a blue ora as he sheathed his sword and began to focus his energy. Seeing this, any thoughts of Eldaire's that this man had no magical emanace were shattered.

As the blue ora began to grow larger, the temperaure of the mountainside started to decrease, and the ground scorched by the fire spell began to freeze over. After a short time, the yuongma's blue ora dissapeared and the landscape had changed to an icy tundra. Magic indeed.

"There's your no advantages." bragged the youngman.

The youngman again took up a fighting stance with his sleek katana drawn and standing ready at his side.

"Big, slow and stupid is now way to go through life warrior, so why dont i end yours now!" th yuong man threatened.

'We'll see how this midless troll likes tangling with an ice demon now.' though the youngman to himself

"Heh, just because I'm big and slow does not make me less of a warrior. You quick ones always thing you've found the best way. Let me give you a brief lesson. I won't even use my acceleration spell. Now, attack me."

The samurai fulfilled Eldaire's request with several swings with his sword. Some bounced of Eldaire's shield. Some were redirected by his sword. Some were even redirected by his legs, head, and torso. Some hit nothing but air. After about 20 seconds, the samurai's sword had been swung at least 1000 times. However, not a single one landed. The samurai stood with the same emotionless stare on his face. No suprise.

"How?" he asked.

"Ohhh, gonna take advice from your adversary are ya?"

"Ha, if you don't want to answer then prepare to contiue. I need no help from you scum!"

"Alright, don't get all riled up. You must flow like a gentle stream. Give no resistance to the force. Redirect it instead. It's not about power, it's not about speed, it's not about intelligence. It's about reaction. It's about calm and peace of mind."

Eldaire spoke boldly, but he was beginning to question this belief. He had barely managed to dodge most of those attacks, and the samurai appeared to be holding back, merely testing him. This was no good for Eldaire cause he was giving 100%. His lungs burned, but he refused to breathe any differently. He could not let the samurai know how draining this was for him, or he might lose interest and finish him.

Maybe his speed really is too much.

"Don't act like you're tired troll!" chanted the young man.

"You really are much better than I thought, and you speak wisely. You may question your own strength your technique now that it begins to fail you as I attack you. But don't. I could certainly finish you with my next attack, and I would only be using about 80% of my strength and speed, and none of my true power."

"True power?" asked Eldaie.

"Don't stress your small mind on that matter now. I have a different solution to our present situation if you are willing to hear it." said the youngman, a bit perturbed at hte interuption during his speeach where he was obviously giving the trol a compliment.

"I'm all ears" replied Eldaire.

"Actually your all muscle" said the youngman "but down the hill are two warriors who dont even compare to us."

"And?" asked Eldaire.

"I'm getting there! My suggestion is that we call a temporary truce, dispose of these two miscreants down below, and then continue this fight, or whatever you want to cal this one sided match we are engaged in at the present moment."

Eldaire stands, still in a defensive stance and ponders the moment.

"Well? Are you game, or am I going to have to dispose of all you by myself? Using you only makes it quicker." the youngman interjected into Eldaire's thoughts impatiently.

Waiting for his opponent's response, the youngman could only htink to himself ..
' Damn I hope he agrees. My lower bak is killing me, and I'd have to use all my strength to defeat this guy. I used 80% on that last attack and got nothing. I dont even know if 100% would finish him, maybe hurt him. But there is still me true power....'

A voice called from above.

"No Eldaire, this fight is done. You fought well! I'm proud!"

"Master! You've been here the whole time?"

"Ah, I was wondering when you were going to involve yourself. I had begun to think you were a mere spectator," called the samurai.

A young man, 18 years of age, floated from above and landed in front of Eldaire. He had a bowl cut of brown hair that fell just below his eyes which seemed to have infinitely different colors within them. He was dressed a white sleeveless shirt and loose fitting blue pants. Around his wrist were bands the same light blue color as the pants. He wore no shoes and seemed to carry no weapons.

"You're learning quickly, but you're not good enough to fight opponents like this one. On top of that, those two in the field have much more strength than the samurai gives them credit for. Your training for the day is done. Now go to the fields, you must be freezing! You can watch from there."

"Yes sir," responded Eldaire as he walked away.

"Hold on. You're obviously much younger than that warrior. Why does he call you master?"

"Before I answer your question allow me to introduce myself. My name is Matt. I am a warrior of heaven. To answer your question, you are being far too easily decieved by my form. I carry in my head mellinia old knowledge. You see, I am the human incarnation of an angelic warrior."

Just then power seemed to explode from Matt. He seemed to glow a simultaneously powerful and genlte white aura. Powerful in force, but gentle on the eyes. This glow also caused his hair to turn a golden blonde.

"I fight without weapons as you would call them. I fight with the sword of the spirit. I am protected by the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helm of salvation. I am guided by the belt of truth and my feet are shod with peace."

"Spare me your Biblical nonsense."

"Ah, I don't speak metaphorically, well, not entirely. I'm being quite literal. These things are truly attainable, but they are not material. You see, the sword of the spirit is my spirit energy which I manipulate into attacks. Righteousness makes me sure of my cause and able to endure heavy blows. Faith makes me fearless and keeps me from hesitating. Salvation guides my thoughts and keeps my course clear. And my desire for peace keeps me on the right path."

"Philisophical nonsense. You have nothing that I myself don't already possess."

"If you say so. Regardless if you offer stands for me as well as my pupil, I would be happy to join you. Those below us are most powerful indeed, and it would be wise to fight them together. By the way, what is your name warrior?"

The man in black leans casually on his spear viewing the fight on the mountain top. The fighters looked interesting and viewing there technique he was impressed. The real challenge still stood on the other side of the field. He was waiting for that one to move.

"My name you ask, Matt? For someone who speaks with such wisdom, you should know that if I have not given my name by now, then it bears no importance. At least, not in my present form.' replied the young man, clearly not answering Matt's questions.

"Well then what is this other form of yours, so that I may know the name of my ally." asks Matt.

"Ally? I am certainly not your ally, and as for my other form, that remains to be seen. If you are so insistent upon calling me something, call me Nemo, which means noone and nothing."

"You, like your words, are a riddle and mysterious, Nemo." replies Matt.

"While I can not say the same for your pupil, I must say that I am rather intrigued by your strength and logic behind your fighting. You appear to be a true warrior." said Nemo.

Eldaire rises to reply to the insult, but is held back by Matt, who merely smiles. Nemo then sheaths his katana and peers down the moutnainside, viewing the other two opponents, who have, until recently, been absent from his radar.

"Shall we welcome our new guests to the party you two? I mean we wouldn't want to be poor guests would we?"

"Let's go then," Matt said, as he lifted into the air. He then began to fly headfirst down the mountain with incredible velocity. "WEEEEE!"

"Pathetic child," muttered Nemo.

' How can someone that powerful and wise act so immature? No matter, as long as he can do his share of the work I dont care how he acts. Hopefully, I can defeat these miserable wretches below with out tansforming. Of course...it has been a while since my powers have been matched' Nemo though to himself.

Then, watching Matt fly down the mountainside, doing ridicuously awesome flips, veritcals, and loops, Nemo started to descend down the mountain. Hands behind his back, jumping lightly from boulder to boulder as if he were skipping.

Eldaire, looking a bit perplexed, follows lead and also begins descending the mountside.

After the three had all made it down steep cliff, they stood side by side and turned to face their new opponents. The man leaning on his spear looking back with an amused look and the ever impressive Szanod.

The man in black see's that the fighters have decided to take it down from the mountain. Eyeing both of them, he simply waits for the first move

"Before these festivities commence any further, why dont we all introduce who we are." said Nemo with a pretentious smirk.

"You can all me Nemo, the nothing and noone. A mere wanderer with a few good moves....notihng...noone...." said Nemo, as he stepped forward and gave a mock bow of introduction.

"Any other takers?" he said again with a smirk.

"You can call me Arc if you wish"

" What a quaint introduction, Arc. Would you mind if I called you Archie?" Nemo replied with a smile on his face.

" I like the name Archie...it fits you well...So Archie, are you any good with that spear?"

With a small smile arc shrugs hefts the spear in both hands and waits. . .

"Well Archie, since you and I seem to be the only two breathing people around here, I think we should be the first ones to try our hands at this fun game." Nemo said unsheathing his katana.

' Let's see how my present form fairs against this guy, he seems strong..' Nemo thought to himself.

Nemo takes a low fighting stance and prepares to attack.

The attack comes as a thrust, Arc turns it aside easily. Nemo and Arc circle each other trading blows, feeling each other out.

Nemo notices right away that Arc is much better skill wise than his previous opponent, and seems to have greater speed to bot.

After having the first of his attacks blocked by Arc's long spear, Nemo decides to be a little daring with his next attack.

He charges in again faking a thrust, but then accelerates to the peak of his speed about 5 feet infront of Arc, leaving an lingering after image, which Arc defends.

Seeing his chance, Nemo appears mere inches to the side of Arc and strikes downward HARD. The ground beneath explodes and the air is filled with dust and bits of wheat.

After this attack Nemo, retreats about 20 feet away to survey the damage.

'Did I get him?' Nemo thinks ' I think I got him, I know I made contact...'

The image flashes in front of Arc's eyes seeing the feint a sec to late the spear already flashing to attack the fading image. Pivoting on his foot Arc turns in time to take the attack on his shoulder. A flash of light and explosion and Arc disappears in a cloud of dirt and dust.

A blue white spear is thrust in the ground where Arc stood.

In the sky above clouds mass black and threating.

Rain begins to pour

'Did I get him?' Nemo again thinks to himself. 'No way, that wasnt even my best attack and that guy had to much skill to be taken out by that...where is he?'

With this, Nemo keeps his katana drawn and takes up a defensve stance. He bgins to focus his chi and search for his enemy's energy trail. All the while, his dark penetrating eyes scan up down and to either side looking for his opponent.

'No way that did him in....where is he?' Nmeo thinks again, as the rain beings to fall heavily upon his tensed body.

Matt sits back watching, waiting for Szanod to get over his appearantly paralyzing fear. This fight was proving to be most entertaining. He knew he couldn't step in else Nemo would have his head on a platter. But, he didn't see the harm in a little hint. Matt and Nemo caught eyes. Matt put on a smug smile and pointed him in the direction of his adversary.

The spear begins to hum, the sound of a growing wind. Stronger the wind blows until it's the force of a tornado, and with a blinding flash and a thunder clap Arc once again stands holding his spear aloft. Smoke smolders on his shoulder from where he was struck, the same amused smile still on his lips.

"Nice move"

" Yeah, you know that was a nice move, I thought. But, certainly not my best." Nemo replied. "You have no idea what the limit of my power is, but if you keep this performance up you may just see its true extent."

With these words Nemo braces himself as the wind begin to pick up and debris begins to swirl in the vicinity of the battle.

"Lets commence Archie. I've been waiting for a challenge."

Matt was most amused. He knew of Nemo's true form, and was awaiting it anxiously.

I'm pretty sure I've found you this time.

" You know Matt, it seems to me that you are just having a grand old time sitting off to the side twiddling your thumbs." Nemo said.

"I don't know what the Hell you're waiting for but you could be taking on Szanod, who seems to be the bigger of these two brutes."

As the wind picked up and a smile started to creep onto Arc's face, Nemo stated to think to himself:

'While Szanod may the bigger of the two, I'd bet my life that Arc is definitley stonger...'

I got tired of waiting.
 

"Alright, if he won't attack me I guess I'll get to it."

Just then Matt careened across the ground with incredible speed. Even Nemo had trouble following his motions. Szanod never saw it coming. In a flash of blinding light, Szanod found himself crashing into a mountain, causing a huge avelanche to fall on top of him.

"Oops," said Matt, scratching the back of his head with a dumb grin on his face. "If I'd have known he was so weak, I wouldn't have hit him so hard." He let out a childish laugh. "He's alive, just out cold. Eldaire! Take Szanod back to the village and get his wounds treated! Come back when you're done! I want you to see this fight! You may learn something!" Eldaire nodded and ran off to complete the task.

"What is Eldaire? Some kind of mutt taking orders from Matt? Look at him....bounding like he were retrieving a stick...pathetic.." said Nemo..

"As for you Matt...very nice... a little over the top but nice none the less." said Nemo. "Now shutup and stand back, I think I have some unfinished business to attend to." said Nemo looking back at a smirking Arc.

"Are you ready Archie? I am."

"You misunderstand Nemo. I was not giving an order just then, merely pointing out what needed to be done. I don't know about you, but Eldaire and I care about life, and we don't want anyone to die here today. Yes, he's my pupil, but I'm only his master in Martial arts. The rest of the time, we are friends and fellow warriors."

"I was only pointing out that Eldaire attends to his duties like a dog. Now let me be so I can battle.." said Nemo

About this time, Arc, growing impatient says "Can we get on with this"

"YES! LET'S!" says Nemo preparing to charge.

"I believe you were the one who scored a hit last, now my turn" His face never changed. He didn't charge he was simply there a mere foot in front of Nemo, the but of the spear came up knocked the katana skyward, the same movement Arc spins on his heel twirling the butt of the spear behind the knee of Nemo, the same rotation the end of the black haft spins around hitting Nemo mid torso, the spear is reversed the point resting lightly on Nemo's unprotected neck.

The katana falls gracefully five feet behind it's fallen owner sticking upright from the ground.

"Point and counter point" Arc takes three steps back, and awaites Nemo to rise

He could have killed him there. Awfully nice of him not to.

Eldaire grinned to himself.

Perhaps his dark attire is a bit misleading.

"Childish", thought Szanod. "Utterly childish. They jump and prance around with meaningless quips of what they think are taunts. Fools all."

As he taught this, he saw the warriors make their way down the mountain and toward him and the man with the spear. Impassive, He awaited their arrival, while perfectly aware that the other being near him was wondering when he would move. Let him wait, patience was a virtue none of them could understand.

As the approaching warriors strut like scared peacocks, Szanod simply watched them and waited for their attack. Perhaps because they feared his icy silence, his oppenents preferred to attack the being who was now known as "Arc". Watching his technique, the Devil Fighter knew then that his style was slow, but creative. Interesting.

Finally, the one know as Matt charged him and layed a powerful blow that sent Szanod careening towards the hills. With a thunderous shock, he crashed into them and rubble started to fall. Amused, he simply smiled and sank into the ground. Seconds later, a rumbling was heard beneath the feet of the fighters, then subsided. Suddenly, blasts of fire shot out at random points, nearly singing everyone present. Then as confusion set in, Szanod shot out of the Earth behind Matt and let loose a devastating punch to his back, creating a concussion wave that echoed a great distance and sending the recipient flying towards Eldaire, who had but moments to dodge.

With that, Szanod smiled slightly, looking everyone over.

"Enough games. It is time to fight."

"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!!"

Eldaire flew across the wheat fields in excrutiating pain. It took him a good two seconds to manage to right himself. He stayed there, floating two feet off the ground.

"Cheap shot devil warrior! I see you're not as hurt as I had thought. Eldaire! I think you should go watch from a distance! This one means business and I don't think he'll offer the same mercy you were going to offer him."

"But... okay." Eldaire made his way to the north, climbed a tree and sat on a branch to watch.

"Alright hell warrior. Let's do this."

Getting up from the ground and dusting himself off, Nemo replies to Arc, "Well Archie, I never thought you had it in you. That was a very nice combo. One of the best I've seen in a long time. And considering my age, thats quite a compliment,"

"It appears that this form...a wandering noone, nothing...has outgrown its use. Let me introduce you to my true form, one thats a bit more adapted to hard battles."

With these words, Nemo took a low stance and began to channel his chi energy. The blue ora that surrounded him in previous batle with Eldaire was back, and grew as his focus increased.

Soon, ice and snow started to become visible within the ora, and swirled around Nemo, hiding him from his opponent's view.

After a few scant seconds, a small explosion of chi lit the area with a blinding blue light. Arc shielded his eyes by covering them with his forearm. After the light had subsided, Arc lowered his arm and his gaze fell upon Nemo. Or was it Nemo?

A new opponent stood before Arc now. He appeared to have the same build as Nemo, yet slightly more muscular. Also the new man's hair was different from Nemo's, starting out white at the roots and changing gradually into a light blue at the tips. The hair stood on end, never moving, looking as if it were constantly windswept.

The most distinguishable differences though were the whiteness and slight shine of the man's skin, which had previously been tan, and the change from dark brown eyes to ice blue. Intense and cold.

Staring at Arc with his ice blue eyes, the changed Nemo walked over and picked up the katana that stood upright in the ground.

"Now we do true battle..."

Kuaiji glanced up from the tall grasses to watch the demon's latest move. He whistled softly with admiration

That one I'll have to watch. But first, lets give them something to play with

He then reached into his pack and retrieved a small simple silver flute. Playing a soft melody, he removed himself from the physical world and into the ether. Calling with his thin music. Moments later, the angry roar of the called came to him.

Go to them. Fight, but do not tarry. COmbined they could destroy you, and your brethern do not deserve that loss for the debt owed to me

The dragon, one of the last of the pure bred, swept through the ether and into the physical world, bathing the area in a wide arc of blue flame. It landed opposite the fighters and sat back on its haunches and bellowed angrily

I come to fight in the name of Kuaiji Il'Kator. I am dreamspike, and I am called to this field of battle

"Seems as if everybody is dressed in their Sunday best now...except you Archie...what do you have in store for us." the nameless man now speaks.

About this time, a deafening roar is heard, and all the fighters turn their heads towards the source of the noise. Their gazes fall upon an enormous dragon rearing on its haunches, roaring loudly, causing the ground to tremble from the vibrations.

"WTF!?!?!" the nameless man says, speaking the collective thoughts of the entire group.

Matt watched as the hell warrior called his power to himself. He felt something strange emminating from his armor. It was... suffering. That's the only word to describe it. It was suffering, hopeless and pure.

Ameteur tactic. Does he really think that will affect me who draws his power from a being of infinite love and hope?

He saw him sink into the earth. The man moved swiftly, but Matt could sense the dark power of his armor. When the man emerged, he threw a devastating punch.

A bit slow, but the force is incredible.

The punch went with the force of a train into Matt's ribs, and then, straight threw. The after image faded away as Szanod attempted to recover his balance. Before he could, a ki blast of a brilliant white light landed on his back and send him biting the dust. Before Matt could attempt to fight again, he heard the deafening roar of a dragon.

Szanod stood and watched the dragon as well.

"This one is stronger than either of us Szanod. It may be best to delay this match for a moment."

Eldaire jumped from the limb and began to run back to the battle.

Forces were gathering quickly, he could feel them. Arc sensed . . . something moving behind them. Curious.

"Again still your move my friend"

'Next move huh...has to be a good one' the unnamed warrior thought to himself.

"Well if thats the case then I think I'll take my turn." the warrior said, "But first I think it's appropriate that you should know the name of your enemy."

Arc looked on with a semi-curious look on his face.

" My name is Koorittou, descendant of the ice goddess Shiva, and guardian of the surrounding lands. The only reason I now participate in this battle is protect this land's sacredness. However, the only reason I became involved in this fight in the first place are the impetous actions of my brash alter form. Well...enough of introductions. Let's commence."

In a flash, Koorittou had started to charge his most recent attack. In this new form he was able to use the element of ice to launch attacks.

This new attack came in the form of a ki blast encased in a ball of ice. Korittou launched the attack with tremendous velocity, catching Arc slightly by surprise.

Arc easily dodged the attack, but was in for a surprise....the missed attack made impact with the ground behind Arc, and instantly blew up, sending shards of ice in all directions. Many of the shards hit Arc, thinking he had dodged out of harms way, in the back. While the damage wasnt severe, it still stung like hell.

Rather than a snide remark, as was usual of Nemo, Koorittou only stood motionless in a defensive stance, with a slight smile on his face, his eyes glowing a bright blue.

Arc winced the ice stung painfully as a few had gotten threw his armor.

"Ice huh" Arc smiled, "It seems fire has made his entrance," he said nodding toward Szanod,"Well how about some lighting?" Arc moved in a lunge this time however while his body moved forward in a straight line his spear flashed forward darting in and out faster and faster. Koorittou was hard pressed to dodge, and each thrust came closer to hitting the ice warrior.
Blocking with his katana arcs of electricity bounced off the blade and spear in blue sparks that grew in brightness.
A sudden downward swing from the spear forced Koorittou to block the attack with the edge of his katana. The second before Koorittou saw Arc smile, knowing this was exactly the move he expected. As the two metals collided electricity sprang forth quicker than though flowing down the metal blade into Koorittou's hands. The shock pushed Koorittou back into the mud leaving him shaken and breathless. Arc spun his spear until a blur surronded him electricty weaving about his form. His eyes turned into crackling white blazes of energy, awaiting Koorittou's next move

"Well...I would have to say that was most unpleasant." Koorittou said, standing and shaking himself off, recovering from the electrical shock. He could still feel slight shocks running throughout his body.

"We just wont have to let that happen again..."

With these words, Koorittou closed his eyes and began to focus his energy. Soon, ice crystals began to form on Koorittou's katana. As the crystals began to accumulate, the blade became slightly thicker, wider, and sharper. When Koorittou opened his eyes again, his katana was completely covered in ice.

"Well, this should keep out that pesky electricity, at least while we're in close combat..." Koorittou said.

Now the battle continues. With this new sword in hand, Koorittou starts to slowly move towards Arc. Arc waits for his opponent to make the first move, then it comes.

Koorittou moves quickly to the side, leaving an after image in his wake. Arc is not fooled, and moves to the side as well, paralleling Koorittou. They begin to exchange blows at an amazing speed, each countering the other's attack and then launching an attack of their own, only to have it defended.

This sequence of events goes on for a few moments, until the two fighters break and move away from each other, coming to face one another about 50 feet apart.

With no words, and only eye contact made between them, the two warriors charge each other, each powering up for an extreme blow. In an instant they are upon one another, and the exchange of blows is unable to be seen. The two warriors land ten feet behind the spot of contact, their backs facing one another.

Koorittou feels a stinging pain and blood gently dripping down his right arm, from where Arc's electric spear was able to make contact. Hoping that the exchange of blows was mutual, Koorittou looks over his shoulder at Arc, seeing that he is grabbing his own right side and that his hand is slightly covered with blood.

'Good' Koorittou thought 'It wasn't a waste'. as a slight smile fell across his face.

Eldaire finally makes it to the battlefield. He jumps to where the dragon stands in a single bound. The dragon and Eldaire meet eyes. Eldaire looks for some connection with the dragon. Their souls intertwine for a brief moment. Eldaire had always had a strong connection with the ether realm and its inhabitants.

"Please sir. This battle is no place for you. Why not go back to your realm? See your friends again? I'm sure they would be most upset if you were injured. I know you're strong, and that you could win with ease, but these warriors aren't fighting to kill. Spare them your might good sir dragon. Please."

Standing back up from the strong chi attack, Szanod lets the nether energies flow on him, dispersing the positive energy landed by his opponent. Turning to him, he smiles wryly.

"Well done, human. You are apparently slightly faster than me, but be aware that my purpose as guardian of part of the Netherworld is to ensure the strongest entrants are properly broken down before they suffer eternal torment for their actions in life, on this plane.

I bear you no personal ill will, but I do enjoy battle and testing my powers. Breaking you is just a trial for my skills, as my duties below have gotten... tediously easy."

As the demon fighter prepares for his attacks, he hears a deafening roar, making him turn instantly to its source. A dragon had landed. Szanod sensed its power, confidence and tremendous will. However, he sensed a link... this dragon was bound to a lesser being... somewhere.

Hearing the human's proposal, Szanod turned back to him and smirked.

"While I dislike breaking off "engagements", it would seem my hand is forced. However, facing the dragon, even as a group, is not wise. I sense a duty in the creature. Someone else lurks nearby, cowardly avoiding direct battle."

Without any further comments, the demon sinks into the ground once again. His senses were stronger below ground and he quickly identified a possible source. Heading to it he readied his powers, to break this coward quickly and efficiently.

"Well, he's off. Doesn't suprise me that he'd be this rash really. It would be better to see how Eldaire fairs in his negotiation, but Szanod is obviously a little bloodthirsty at this point."

Gaurdian of hell. Hrm, this will be a tough battle. He called me human though, I don't think he quite knows what he's up against.

As Matt let his concentration wander, his aura, ever so slightly, began to collect into what resembled wings behind his back.

The dragon glares at the stranger speaking to it in the old tongue.

I come at the behest of one greater then I. I am bound to this fight as much as a bird is bound to the sky. But my purpose here has been served.


Suddenly an aparition appeared behind Eldaire, a whisp of cloud becoming the shape of a man. Eldaire didnt react, he didnt hear a sound, only felt the impact of a staff striking the back of his neck

Don't try to disuade my friend Dreamspike here. His and my quarry still stands, but it is not you. The demon, where has he gone?

Eldaire fell to the ground, out cold. Matt regained his concentration and the aura returned to its full form.

"Bastard!"

Matt flew across the ground for a moment, creating a long rift in the earth beneath him, and then lifted to the sky. His speed was blinding. The strange warrior was hit by a kick that sent him careening away. Matt made no attempt to continue his attack though. He took Eldaire and flew him back to the forest. He went almost a mile into it and set Eldaire down there.

The woodland creatures will watch over him until he awakens.

Matt then flew back to the middle of the wheat field, or at least 100ft over the middle. He looked around for the warrior who had so dishonorably attacked his friend, but he was nowhere to be found. Matt continued to hover there, searching.

Having identified the being controlling the dragon, Szanod had made his way to it. However, before he could attack, the stranger teleported away, to where his first opponent's pupil was standing. Swiftly dispatching the careless whelp, he nonetheless was caught off guard himself by Matt.

Seeing that he could take this opportunity to land his own attack, the demon warrior waited for Matt to strike, then repositioned himself further away, where the newcomer would head towards upon the impact of the blow. As he reeled from it, Szanod was alread out of the ground, waiting for him.

The demon had created a wall of fiery rock, into which the newcomer slammed heavily. Dazed from those two blows, he barely had time to react to Szanod's immediate follow-up. Indeed, as soon his wall had stopped the stranger's flight, he reared back and double-fisted his creation, sending pieces of the wall careening towards the dragon master. Szanod bellowed:

"If you wish to fight me, why choose the coward's path and have another do it for you? Face me alone, if you dare!"

'Well...seems like my fellow warriors have this intruder in check now. I guess I can continue my battle with Arc. Unless that cursed dragon attacks.' Koorittou thinks to himself.

Standing, and letting go of his injured arm, Koorittou turns to face Arc and asks "Are you ready?"

Matt spotted Szanod standing over a pile of rubble. He could only assume that the ethereal warrior lay under the firey rock. Matt flew over and landed next to Szanod.

"Is he down?"

A low rumble could be heard from the rubble, starting softly but quickly growing in intensity. Then, as quickly as it started, the rumbling stopped.

The demon wasn't as unprepared as the youngster had been, but still Kuaiji got a few good hits in before it could raise its defences. With his staff in both hands, Kuaiji struck again and again. The pile of rubble still stood where it was before and several never noticed the mage warrior emerge from it. Few could have

This being was strong, no doubt about it. It had survived a fierce attack and was now taking its turn. Using all the reflexive skills at his disposal, Szanod attempted to block or dodge the flurry of staff blows heading for him.

The first few landed without any resistance, since the demon didn't have much time to adapt to the speed of the onslaught. He felt the blows resonate against his armour, doing some concussive damage. However, once he knew the dance, he quickly blocked with all of his body. His armour was strong, thanks to its construction and dark energies bound to it, so whatever blow he couldn't get away from was simply absorbed.

Still, the speed of his opponent's attacks were of some concern. Szanod needed some breathing room. As soon as the opportunity arose, the demon made the sign of the hellfire and a fiery aura, filled with the screams of his defeated victims, briefly extended around him at a distance of about 5 feet. This surprise, made Kuaiji back off for a moment, and allowed Szanod to take the initative.

As Kuaiji was backing off, the demon exerted his power over the earth by the ground around his opponent surge up, encasing his lower body and severely limiting his mobility. As soon as this was done, Szanod extended his left arm. The dark energies of his armour gathered more strongly at that area and were sucked into the spikes, which then began to secret a vile, greenish substance. Eyes widening, Kuaiji knew he had but moments to react.

"The time has come for you to sample the pain that awaits mortals and gods alike when they are bound to the Netherworld I guard."

Szanod then let loose a flurry of poisoned spikes at his victim. Each was aimed at different parts of his exposed torso, arms and head, in order to cause maximum suffering.

As the "warriors" continue to stand around, idly discussing each other's possible limitations and abilities, what appears to be a large wave approaches with a dull roar across the ocean to the south. The ice demon and Arc, momentarily distracted from their battle, turn silently, in awe of the wave's apparent violence. Szanod was immersed in the battle.

Suddenly, a large white horse emerges from the curl of the water and rides full-force across the beach toward the paralyzed men. The horse is incomparably beautiful, the muscles beneath its broad flanks ripling as it pounds across the sand. The horse's eyes are wild and deep with the passion of liberty and power.

"It can't be..." Matt stammers, touching his hand to his neck.

The horse stops some ten feet from the group and, as they watch, is transformed into the figure of a beautiful young woman. Her hair falls in auburn waves down her back. She is clad in a loose white tunic, cinched at her waist with a golden belt. Pants made of dyed dark green leather hide cling to her powerful legs and she wears quaint rabbit skin boots laced tightly to her mid-calf on her small feet. An elegant green velvet cloak envelops her shoulders, clasped at her chest with a small silver brooch.

Arc notes that her nose is small and slightly upturned and her ears come to a slight point, making her questionably elvish, but he has never seen an elf changling before.

She approaches the warriors.

Arc kneels down smiling, a ten inch gash was marked against his ribs. The pain was distant but surprising, the ice lord was quick, but Arc just continued to smile, lighting was quicker.

Standing straight Arc rests the spear against his shoulder and awaits his opponent.

The elvish warrior scanned the field, sizing her opponents.

Matt felt the sharp blow of a staff against the back of his head. He was filled with pain. More blows came, but they were blocked with a concentration of ki energy in his aura. Matt jumped back from the battle as soon as possible.

He ran in circles wildly, grasping the back of his head screaming "KI KI KI KI KI KI! That hurt!" He then turned and saw the horse galloping towards them.

"It can't be..."

"It's nice to see you again, Matt."

"Well now, all of these unexpected guests are quite the anomaly...woudn't you say Arc?" Koorittou said, addressing Arc by his true name for the first time, undoubtedly realizing that me must give Arc the respect due to him for being such a worthy advesary.

"Let's say we postpone this fight for now." Koorittou said with a sheepish girn on his face." I think we should get acquainted with our new guests. But it's your call."

Then, turning to Matt who was still holding the back of his head, Koorittou asked, "And who is this beautiful lady friend of yours Matt?". He then smiled and chuckled quietly to himself, eyeing the young lady to catch her reaction.

"A short introduction and then let's get down to business. I didn't come to feed your hormones, Koorittou, I came to fight a worthy opponent or 5."

"I am Serendice, guardian of Eden, seraphic warrior of heaven."

"Interesting...." Koorittou said with another sheepish grin, "Matt, you're friends are so hospitable."

"Well then, choose your opponent and let's commence."

Korittou drew his ice-covered katana and took a defensive stance. Waiting for either Arc's or Serendine's reaction.

'Let's see what we've stepped into' Koorittou thought to himself.

Seredice smirked mockingly, undid the brooch at her chest and threw the cloak from her shoulders in one swift graceful motion. Then, drawing a gleaming saber from the sheath at her hip, she stood, meeting Korittou's confident stare.

"Have you chosen your opponent?" Koorittou asked with an amused smile on his face.

While the trapped Kuaiji managed to deflect a few spikes with his staff, a good many of them managed to lodge themselves in his body. Suddenly, he was gripped in pain, his mind awash with the anguish Szanod's opponents had felt at the moment of their defeat to him and the sickening dread at the void that awaited them beyond the darkened gates.

The deflected spikes returned dutifully to the demon's armour. With a gravely laugh, he tasted the being's pain from a distance. Indeed a dark mist was linking the imbedded spikes to himself, establishing a link that siphoned part of his opponent's energy and hope.

Before, Kuaiji could surprise him, Szanod mentally ordered the spikes to return, which they did swiftly. He then took control of the earth once agin and completely covered Kuaiji with molten rock, which would soon cool into an extremely durable cocoon.

Satisfied at this situation, for now, the demon warrior turned to the newcomer.

"It would seem the 'forces of good', if there is such a thing, let out all of its whelps to play on this day. Why must you chase death and pain like so many moths drawn to the flame? Have you never suffered? Have you never learnt anything of value?

No matter, I will show you all. Starting with..."

Szanod then sank into the ground, leaving his opponents to wonder where he would emerge, and whom he would attack.

Matt flew back into the sky to give himself from distance from Szanods coming attack, ensuring that Matt would not be the one he chose. Serendice also floated into the air, still facing the ice demon.

"Szanod, I know you can hear me! You've made two grave errors in calculation. For one, I have been to hell already. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't wanna live there if you know what I mean. And the other, the several ton dragon that appears to be flying."

"Serendice, what has brought you here? Did He send you?"

"You looked like you could use some help, darlin."

Serendice shook her head in bitter disdain of Szanod's threats.

"Such filth should never have been permitted to exist. No matter, his life is of no consequence to me and therefore must be forfeited. However, I would rather start with something lighter. Koorittou, shall we?"

"Lighter?" Koorittou questioned, no longer sporting his sheepish grin, "I dont know about lighter...but certainly colder."

He then charged one of his ice covered ki attacks and launched it at Serendice, who dodged it easily , simply floating to the side. When she looked down to respond to Koorittou's latest remark, she found him missing from the spot he had previously been standing.

All of a sudden, she felt an icy presence coming towards her, but from what direction she didn't know. UP! Koorittou had used his god-like speed to propel himself off the ground, and was now hovering a few feet above Serendice.

Koorittou, seeing his chance, quickly drew his ice-covered katana and struck downwards, before Serendice had a chance to defend, as he began to fall back towards the ground.

Serendice had not felt the ice-covered blade strike her, but instead felt an icy chill travel down her right arm as she watched Koorittou fall gently back to the ground.

When he had finally reached the ground and turned around to face her, Serendice began to say "You missed me..." but fell silent midway through her sentence when the strap of her tunic covering her right shoulder fell down, revealing the white skin of her shoulder, nothing more. She realized that the strap had had been cut.

"See..." Korittou said, again dorning his sheepish grin "definitely not lighter. But certainly nice and kind...wouldn't you say? I could have revealed a lot more but I thought that I would save you the embarassment and not insult Matt, who seems to be some sort of companion to you."

With these words, Serendice blushed a deep red and clenched her fists, obviously very angry. Koorittou smiled, knowing that his words had gotten to her.

'Now I'm in for it...' Koorittou thought to himself as he stood looking at up the enranged angel.

Arc smiled and shrugged. Watching everyone begin fighting again, he simply waited.

"Arc, you've been silent for some time..." Koorittou said turning towards his former oppnent, " You dont mind if Serendice cuts in do you?"

"Not at all, I'm sure some one else will appear to distract me while I wait"

"I don't know Arc," Koorittou said, still keeping a watchful eye on the enraged angelic warrior. "The way things have been going you may have a new opponent anytime now."

Kuaiji felt the blows to his soul as readily as he felt them to his body. The blows the demon had struck him with were terrible, and a lesser man would have fallen minutes ago. Kuaiji left his mind a moment, gathering strength around him. Then he let a small smile escape his contenance and called to the demon

HEY! You forgot one thing.. HER!

The dragon had taken off and was finishing a wide arc across the field. Then, with a roar that seemed to flatten the grasses and still the wind, a wipe swath of blue flame leapt from its muzzle to encase Kuaiji and his prison. When the great beast had passed, Kuaiji stood leaning against his staff heavily, but free of the prison. The dragon then landed and thrust its head deep into the ground. It dug for a moment before tearing up the demon, still half ethereal. It held the demon for a moment before flinging it towards Kuaiji.

Good Dreamspike, your work here is done was all Kuaiji said as he draw back his staff and swung at the flying demon.

The impact of demon on staff was tremendous, and several combatants were flung to the ground, but when the dust settled Kuaiji was standing again, as was the demon. The demon was unhurt, but a long gash had been broken along the front of the armor

Serendice arched one eyebrow in amusement, glanced down at her bare shoulder, silently and meticulously undid her belt and removed the sliced tunic, revealing a tight black camisole which clung to her chest and muscular stomach.
"You're schoolboy gibes have little effect on one who has reached the last state of peace, Koorittou. But now, let me teach you a lesson you won't soon forget."
With these words, Serendice dropped to the ground in front of Koorittou, crouched for a moment and then leapt at him, swinging the saber mercilessly across his left side. The sharp tip of the weapon caught Koorittou in the shoulder before he dodged back, regained his stance, and met his opponent as an equal.

"Right..." Koorittou said, with a slight grimace on his face (that damn little cut hurt like Hell!), "I don't know about being in the last state of peace or anything, but I do know that you need to lighten up a little bit or you're gonna get a hernia or something. Stress causes these things."

'Damn she's quick!' Koorittou thought to himself 'I really need to stop underestimating these folks. Eldaire, Matt, Arc, and now her...I've done this alot!'

However, despite underestimating Serendice, Koorittou knew from the start that this was going to be a tough battle to win, cosidering the fact that from the beginning of his training he had been taught not to strike women.

'Damn this sucks!' he again thought to himself 'She's taking this thing way to serious, and I can't land a harmful blow. O well...just more of a challenge....fun...'

Serendice, thoroughly perplexed as to why Koorittou seemed to be having a mental conversation with himself while standing in a defensive stance with a troubled look on his face, had had enough. She made the first move.

Crouching again for a split second, Serendice lunged at Korittou and began swinging her glistening sabre with precise blows, trying to take off Koorittou's head. This time though, with a troubled look still on his face and clearly still engulfed in his own thoughts, Koorittou effortlessly dodged the angel warrior's attacks. If Koorittou had anything going for him in this battle, it was his speed, he was still quicker than Serendice.

After a few moments of fruitless blows, Serendice came to a stop about 20 feet away from Koorittou, who had finally awoken from his mental trance.

"Oh, did you want to continue Serendice?" Koorittou mocked with another sheepish grin on his face. " I apologize for keeping you waiting. I'm ready now."

Closing her eyes for a moment to refocus her energy after the somewhat embarassing attempt at attacking Koorittou, Serendice gripped her blade at her side and took a moment to reflect, as well.
'This child is obviously holding back. Why won't he fight me? His agility and speed will keep him from meeting with my blade for a time, but it would be shameful and futile to fight someone who doesn't fight back!'
As Serendice's frustration with Koorittou's playful stance mounted, so did her anger. This was what had gotten her into trouble so many years ago...pride. She slid the sabre back into its sheath and bit her lip in contempt.
In a fit of frustration, Serendice crouched, drew a dagger from her boot and hurled it at Koorittou, who dodged it effortlessly and moved in closer to her. In a flash, Serendice whirled around and flung up her left leg to meet Koorittou's advance. The kick barely grazed Koorittou's cheek, but left him slightly alarmed by her quickness. Serendice spun away from him, drew her sabre, dropped to the ground and slung the blade around toward his legs. He leapt up to avoid the blow and drew his katana resolutely. Serendice smiled, satisfied that he would now truly fight her, not as a woman but as a warrior.

"Hahaha! It looks like you've got your hands full Serendice. This ice demon is no joke. Remember, you're not in heaven any more and you're going to have to focus your energy differently. I would love to help, but I have other obligations for now. Don't kill him though okay? He's not a bad guy. Besides, he could be useful..."

Matt flew over to Arc. He remained in the air, on the same level as Arc but about 20 ft. back from the side of the mountain. He took a brief moment to admire the fighting around him. These were all very skilled warriors.

"It would appear that all of the other opponents have been selected. Strength and honor to you good warrior, and may the best man win."

With that, Matt took a fighting stance midair, powered up his aura, and awaited Arc's move.

Arc smiled

"As you wish"

Arc rose in the air on a level with Matt. With his spear still on his shoulder, he asked

"Would you like to make the first move or shall I?"

As his temper returned to normal, Szanod gazed at the being now lying on the ground before him. The demon warrior always took pride in his calm collectiveness that had prevailed so many times. The fact that it had escaped him for a moment gave him pause, though. This one would be especially difficult to break. However, he WOULD be broken.

Szanod then picked up the dazed Kuaiji and, holding him up with one hand against his wall, began punching him with great force in the stomach. Each blow was made harder by the fact that Kuaiji's body could not recoil from it, since he was pressed up against the spiked wall behind him. Szanod kept on striking until the wall had become so weak, it shattered. (OOC: Ever seen the anime Ninja Scroll? The part when Jubei fights the Rock Demon is what came to my mind when I thought of this last attack. Just a little visual for you all!)

Tossing Kuaiji's limp form aside, Szanod then surveyed the battles before him. It would seem that a total of three skirmishes were taking place. The lightning being with the warrior, the "angel" against the chi master and himself with this surprisingly resiliant mystery fighter.

Undecided as to which fighter to break first, Szanod looked back at Kuaiji, to make sure that he would cause no further trouble and concentrated his eldricht energies at repairing his armour.

"I think I will initiate."

With that, Matt vanished. The lightening warrior had no trouble following him though. The spear was thrusted out with great speed several times. They were all futile though, as they fell through a series of after images. Then, Matt broke through Arc's defenses and landed a punch square on his nose, which went straight through as the image of Matt's hand faded into Arc's face. Realizing it was another after image, Arc's eyes grew wide with suprise. Matt landed a kick on Arc's back, but as Arc flew downward, he managed a counter stab with the spear. Matt thought he had dodged, but then lightening shot from the tip of the spear, paralyzing Matt. Arc managed to land on his feet and looked up just in time to see Matt finishing his recovery from the shock.

"Heaven is of no concern to me..." the fallen angel muttered.

With a deep breath, Serendice realized that Matt was right about one thing, she was taking a beating that wasn't characteristic of her and getting a handle on her energy would help significantly.

She paid no mind to Matt's advice not to kill the demon, it would be a shame to permanently close such beautiful blue eyes, though...

So far Koorittou's plan had worked flawlessly. He was a master in the art of causing anger and frustration in his opponents. Largely due to his incredible speed.

'This one has been hard to frustrate so far...' Koorittou thought to himself 'maybe theres some truth in her claim to have reached the highest state of calm.'

" So Serendice, shall we continue this little romp through a field of daisies, or are we ready to retire?' Koorittou said, his ice blue eyes glistening in the high noon sun.

"Personally, I would like to continue this battle very much. You are a very worthy and...." Koorittou paused as he again relaized Serendice's great beauty, even if she was trying to kill him. "um..worthy and strong opponent."

With this, Koorittou began to power up what appeared to be his ice-covered ki attack. Serendice braced herself and awaited the apparent attack, but it didn't come. Instead, Koorittou took the ball of ice and crushed it in his hands, causing it to splinter into long sharp shards.

Serendice looked on with a confused look on her beautiful face, as she wondered what Koorittou was up to. She didn't have to wait long for an answer. Koorittou took the ice shards and divided them equally, holding them in either hand, and began to throw them at Serendice, using the shards as shirukens.

A surprised Serendice had a hard time dodging the onslaught of the ice shards, and was struck by many of them on the sides of her arms and legs, tearing her chimise and pants slightly. None of the wounds were even close to being fatal and they bled only a little, but the bitter sting of coldness eminated from every wound that covered her body.

'Good' Koorittou thought to himeself 'Damage done but nothing fatal.'

Koorittou again took up a fighting stance and awaited Serendice's next attack, with a slight smile on his face and his blue eyes still shining with the noon sun.

Serendice winced in pain and glared into Koorittou's gleaming eyes.

"Alright, now I'm angry."

Matt was jerked from his battle at hearing this comment.

"What? Serendice, what are you saying? You shouldn't be feeling those things. You don't have a human body."

"Quiet!"

The rage in Serendice's voice shocked Matt into silence. She looked at Koorittou with a cold stare. She held out her hand, and suddenly, a flaming sword, emminating a great raw power appeared in there.

"Serendice! Where did you get that! That sword's forbidden to all but Michael! You can't possibly have it unless..."

"Precisely. I stole the sword, it should have been mine from the start. No one can appreciate or use its power like I can. I've fallen, my inhibitions are gone and now..."

Her once brillaint form began to grow dark. At the same time, her power increased greatly. A great darkness seeped from the ground and began to cover her. It was thick as tar and for a moment, she was hidden by the cloud of dark power. Then, the aura seeped into her body. Her eyes now glowed a terrible blood red. Her teeth pointed to fangs. Her nails grew long and almost lethal. Her beauty was still there, but instead of innocent and sweet, she was now seductive and dark.

"Now," she said. Her voice was thick with hatred and suffering. "Now you will die."

She outstretched her hand and Koorittou was sent flying back. Before he even realized what happened she was behind him, holding the sword overhead. When he got close, she brought it down hard. A crater 20 ft deep was left where she had swung it. Koorittou watched from overhead, held by Matt, with a look of shock and horror on his face.

With an amused curiosity, Szanod watched as Serendice underwent her transformation. After she completed her attack, he addressed her.

"Such a pity to see the virtuous fall so far from the light, as if they didn't have the fortitude to endure service to the fickle energy you call "God", "Lord" or whatever. However, I have fought and broken many of your kind on their way down to the Netherworld. I recognize the anguish you feel, Serendice. The sin of the Morningstar has seeped to your very core.

Let go of your pride, dark angel. Accept what you are and believe in yourself."

Then addressing everyone:

"You see me as a simple demon, bound to malignant forces greater than I, but I beg to differ. I was once a champion of light that tired of battling all the monstrosities that spewed forth from the Netherworld unto an unsuspecting Earth. Hell's denizens were too strong, so I descended to the gates myself to ensure that at least some of the newly damned were too weak and broken to ever come back and haunt the innocent.

I have accepted a part of that darkness in me, but in doing so I'm using the Netherworld's energies against itself. Why do I still exist, I do not know. But while I do, I commit my life to battle and darkness, so that hell may at least be partially weakened."

Looking back at Serendice, Szanod smiled and said:

"Darkness is not evil, just the absence of light."

With that, he slammed his fists on the ground, which conjured up a swath of flame of about 10 feet high that travelled at top speed towards her in a zigzag pattern, makin git much harder to dodge.