Cadet Tournament

[22:20] "If there are no other delays, let us begin. Cadet Falstaff, Cadet Voss. Take to the right field, best of three, first blood or surrender." He spoke with a cool voice, one at complete odds with the shout that had emerged moments earlier. "Cadet Andras, Cadet Sophie Duran, you will battle in the left field, same rules."

A glance was given to Erika, and a smile. "When a field opens up, Cadet Jasper and Cadet Watts will fight next. Cadet Furthis and Cadet Retinea in the other." And then the Radiant began to walk towards Erika, tugging Eustace along with him.

"You are here to have your wound tended to, and to have realities of the world explained to you."
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)
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[22:21] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Get to it."
[22:21] Eustace says, "I guess."
[22:21] Jasper exclaims, "Berri!"
[22:21] Jasper exclaims, "Berrrri!!"
[22:21] Zachary Retinea says, "Aye, Yes Sir Radiant."
[22:22] Aegnor Watts asks, "U-uh, I suppose it is you versus me huh? Cadet Jasper is it?"
[22:22] Iskan Furthis says, "I guess we wait for a field."
[22:23] Erika lifted a delicate finger, opening her mouth some. She was here for the tournament? But - Well, she could probably do both... Heal that prisoner and also participate. The blonde glanced around quietly before facing up to Astrosus.

"Hello there," She greeted with a nevertheless chipper little attitude. "I do apologize for being late. I was hoping to participate in the tournament myself! But I can most definitely look at the-..." She paused, gray eyes shifting to Eustace briefly before finishing her thought, "At him, and fixing his wounds, yes!"
(Erika cos Salis)
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[22:23] Jasper says, "...Ser Atrosus--"
[22:23] Jasper says, "I have one thing to ask..."
[22:23] Atrosus lux Vandigan asks, "Hm?"
[22:24] Andras would make his way northward as he found himself being called upon relatively quickly. His eyebrows gently raise as he found himself standing before an individual from the House of Duran! A noble, likely gifted with the capacity for magic that he did not yet possess. This would truly be a difficult battle for the youth, but his hand rises to clasp upon the hilt of his blade, all the same. He only had his swordsmanship to rely on, but it's gotten him plenty far in the past. With his expression delving into one of solemnness, he would adopt a fighting stance as he prepared to engage his employer.

"Looks like it's a small word, Sophie. Let's give it our best!" He exclaims, clearly fired up at the possibility of fighting a strong opponent. Even if the odds were stacked against him, he was more than eager to test his abilities.
(Andras)
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[22:24] Solon Tofusin whispers: So you are you hoping to fight?
[22:24] Jasper lifts his shirt, exposing poorly made stitches and a bleeding, gashed wound that was there. "Is it possible that I can get some help first?! No pressure."
(Jasper)
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[22:24] Sophie had originally intended to respect Andras on the field. His showcase of degeneracy made her reluctance.

"I am not aware of what you do with your freetime, Andras. I will not try to judge you too hard for it though." Sophie calmly speaks.

Holy energies flare from Sophie's core, as she steadies herself with her family blade at hand. She quirks a small smile at him, prepared to contend with him in one of the first two bouts of the tournament.
(Sophie cos Duran)
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[22:24] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Everyone not currently fighting, get against a wall."
[22:24] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Cadet Salis, follow me."
[22:25] Zachary jumped atop with the other energy users.
(Zachary Retinea)
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[22:25] Jasper exclaims, "It's not!"
[22:26] Andras says, "Huff."
[22:28] Jasper exclaims, "Noooo!!"
[22:28] Jasper says, "...Welp."
[22:28] Solon Tofusin says, "It looks like the fight on the right is over..."
[22:28] Grella says, "Cooooooooooooolll...."
[22:28] Jasper exclaims, "Let's go buddy!"
[22:29] Solon Tofusin exclaims, "Best of luck Aegor. I hope our training will help!"
[22:29] Aegnor Watts says, "Right"
[22:30] Dairou asks, "Care to go a round sir?"
[22:30] Grella exclaims, "We're in the middle of our tourney, Dairou!"
[22:31] Grella says, "W-wait till you're called i guess."
[22:31] Solon Tofusin says, "Yea..."
[22:31] Dairou says, "Oh darn."
[22:31] Dairou says, "Mybad."
[22:31] Solon Tofusin says, "Your fine."
[22:32] His blade rises to defend against their barrage of stabs and strikes. Unlike those before - they are a rather unpredictable opponent. He is pressed in meeting their blows, and struggles to find openings for the offensive himself.

Though when he does he is quick to act, lest they escape him. Striking down with blade and energy his attacks are predictable, but with quite the power behind them. It leaves them unable to fully defend against. Especially in his attacks of energy.

But their overwhelming fighting style does just that. Overwhelms.

He is unable to reply to them in the midst of battle as he finds his defense crumbling under their advances. And within a few moments are their many openings in his stance, one exposure being breached by the energy about them and sending him to a knee.

"You... as well, Knight Wano. Well fought."

Arrian speaks between a few deep breaths as he regains his composure.

(Arrian cos Brienne)
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[22:32] Sophie clashes blades against Andras. She understood him well enough. Without more advanced magic to compliment his fighting form, he tried to refine his stance as much as he could. However, it ultimately fell short. Without Sophie's holy magic, they might just be even, but with it- Sophie's resolve, manifest, were enough to deflect Andras' sword blows.

The fight continues, until Andras is worn down and fatigued to the point that Sophie was able to step in and catch his blades guard; disarming him. She does not wound her friends, and thus, the tip of her blade pressed near his torso marked the conclusion of their bout.

"I look forward to practicing with you again when you've 'found your path', Andras." Sophie regards him with a thin smile.

"Also, I was just teasing you before we started. You should come visit more."
(Sophie cos Duran)
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[22:33] Julia sighed, she definitely was out matched in this fight. It seemed like there was really nothing she could do in this situation. No matter what she did it just poked off of him like it was hardly anything. "Well good fight I wish I knew how to use my ice magic properly for this fight, it might have been a bit more of an actual fight." She sighed again taking out her water flask and drinking it. Though she was really annoyed that she didn't even win one fight in this tournament. She resigned herself to walking off, watching the remainder of the fights.

Though in reality she fell into herself, she wasn't focusing on any of the fights at this rate. She wanted to try and find out why she couldn't use whatever it may have been that is in her. Why she couldn't seem to use ice magic properly in combat. Yet can do it anywhere else with simple ease. She breathed in and out committing herself to those same exercises that Khaine taught her to perform to help learn the aura. She continued to make the air around her cold and icy. But, she sighed as she knew that there was just something in her that she needed to break. But, she didn't quite know what it was to begin with.
(Julia Voss)
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[22:33] As they entered the field he would release out a tuft of air, the sight of those who were observing mixed with fighting another individual he had never even seen before began to apply pressure. Although soon he allowed his mind to clear with closed eyes and a slow but effective breathing, then once he opened his eyes all he could do was focus on the individual in front of him. The sound of the crowd would simmer down for him, and his focus now remained on Jasper.

He brought out the shabby blade from it's sheathe, in conjunction a loud sound erupted from the blade torn from the scabbard. It was in bad condition and held chips along the dull blade, yet it was only one he had. He shifted into a stand, with the left foot sliding forward and the right foot reeling back. The blunt side of the blade would begin to rest on his left arm which he extended in front of him. Acting as a crutch or leverage.

It would be then the subtle smile that was on his face would fade as he allowed himself to take this seriously, flames began to billow about his form. The fire at first was in small orbs, but as the seconds past it began to build up and soon his body was engulfed in flames. The aura itself caused his clothing to shift ever-so-slightly. He'd at this point would nod towards Jasper.

"Let's begin then."
(Aegnor Watts)
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[22:34] Berrios Falstaff asks, "This where the winners stand?"
[22:34] Sophie cos Duran says, "I'm not sure to be honest."
[22:34] Berrios Falstaff exclaims, "Well, it is, now!"
[22:35] Solon Tofusin whispers: So who are you hoping to fight?
[22:35] Cristóvan whispers: I don't think I have a personal person. To be honest, I just wanna make it beyond the first round. Last time we did it, the top tier were rewarded, remember?
[22:36] Cristóvan whispers: I'm hoping everyone has gotten better, but I'm hoping to see myself progress the most.
[22:36] Solon Tofusin whispers: Same but I didn't make it past the first round... This time it should be different.
[22:36] Berrios Falstaff exclaims, "YOU'RE A WALL, JASPER. UNBREAKABLE!"
[22:37] "Let's spend the rest of the time now, watching the others." He explained, finding a secure location away from running interference on any spars. Only once he settled on a spot did he speak up.

"I could ask... Your family? Is it in your blood to use the magic?" Curious really, it wasn't often he could speak of the arts to another let another get a sense of learning from the small talk.

"You see... It's how I became a knight, a few other knights spotted me a pretty advanced technique out in the wild and it wasn't too long before I found myself here. Not exactly trained as a cadet, but uh... Trained to be, proper?" He mumbled his last few words close enough to be considered a whisper, scanning the area briefly.

His ears twitched about till he rose up to a stand.

"Either way... Hope we can learn more from each other going forward."
(Wano)
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[22:37] Cristóvan says, "Careful, before we hear about something else on them unbreakable."
[22:37] Berrios Falstaff says, "--"
[22:37] Cristóvan says, "No one wants to hear that, Cheerios."
[22:38] Cristóvan says, "Hm...fire and earth."
[22:38] Solon Tofusin asks, "A possible magma user?"
[22:38] Cristóvan says, "Perhaps."
[22:39] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Cadet Tofusin, Cadet Cristovan. You're up next."
[22:39] Solon Tofusin exclaims, "Yes, sir!"
[22:40] Lis Beth exclaims, "Tofusin! Christovan! You're up!"
[22:40] Erick quietly sidled his way to the midst of the group of cadets, taking his place comfortably against the southern wall of the royal castle. He was a fair bit late for the affairs, but the young knight was now finally present at the tournament, a spectator for the remarkably fun little event.

"So- Who's winnin' so far, who's losin', and what did I miss so far? I'm hopin' ta' see a good show, 'n all." he inquired, turning his attention towards the cadets and observers nearby.
(Erick Falstrik)
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[22:40] Cristóvan says, "Oh. . huh, okay."
[22:41] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Cadet Minerva, Cadet Beth. You're up next on the other end."
[22:41] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "You can stop parroting my orders."
[22:41] Evangeline Minerva says, "Mm. Evangeline."
[22:41] Evangeline Minerva says, "A pleasure."
[22:42] Berrios Falstaff says, "You beat him pretty handedly, Jasper. That looked unfair."
[22:42] Jasper says, "..."
[22:42] Jasper says, "If I didn't end it quickly, I would've bled out pretty badly."
[22:43] Jasper says, "... I also can't really breathe."
[22:43] Berrios Falstaff says, "-You should get a doctor."
[22:43] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "I appreciate it."
[22:43] Jasper exclaims, "Tried all day!"
[22:43] Berrios Falstaff asks, "We'll get you one after, yea?"
[22:43] Jasper exclaims, "Mhm!"
[22:44] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Left or right side."
[22:44] Pushing himself off of the wall has Cristóvan stepping onto the grassy fields. He hadn't really thought about who it would be but this seemed like it was the obvious outcome. They were the last two remaining against the wall to his knowledge.

When he pauses, it is to step a few feet back and away from Solon, the expression on his face slightly curious. He's thinking about it. All of this, wondering how it will go. He doesn't know . . but intends to find out.

Eventually the young teenager issues his friend a smile, confident not only in himself but in one another. "Well, no matter how this goes let's give it our best, yeah?"

With his simple rod withdrawn and positioned the dew rises, the water within his satchel does the same and he summons his aegis once more. "Ready, Cadet?"
(Cristóvan)
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[22:44] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "The winners are at the top of the field, Exarch Sparda."
[22:44] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:44] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:45] Hearing that he will have to fight Cristovan, he walked up to his arena. Its ironic that we were just talking about who would we prefer to fight. Now we have to fight each other. Even though the both of them have been through a lot and progressed respective... Its time to see who is stronger than the other.

He would draw his blade from his back scabbard, slowly. Cracking his neck with his other hand to loosen it up. Slinging the sword over his shoulder, the air around him would shimmer. Lighting ablaze shortly afterwards.

"Indeed, we shall see who has progressed more." He would shift into the Ifrit stance.

"Let's go"
(Solon Tofusin )
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[22:45] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:45] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:45] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:45] Kori Teitai says, "Excuse me, sir... Nemien, right? I don't know whats happening here but I was told to come to someone of your rank to discuss becoming a cadet."
[22:45] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:46] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:47] Kori Teitai says, "OKay I will meet with you later."
[22:47] Andras huffs lightly as he dusts himself off, though he'd admittedly feel a tinge of frustration. Perhaps it was time to kick his training into over-drive, or at least figure out a path-way in which he wished to travel. His steps would lightly echo as he politely bids his comrades farewell. The tournament was interesting, but there wasn't much that he felt that he'd learn by watching others. He wished to develop something of his own accord, and perhaps that could be accomplished if he went to acquire an introspective look at his characteristics.

Maybe something that'd be fitting for him would come to mind.
(Andras)
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[22:48] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:49] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:49] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:49] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:49] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:50] Nemein Sparda says, "whisper Agreed."
[22:50] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:50] Cade Williams says, "Oh."
[22:50] Atrosus lux Vandigan whispers something.
[22:50] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "I have a tournament to run."
[22:51] Nemein Sparda whispers something.
[22:51] Cade Williams says, "'Scuse me."
[22:52] Cade Williams asks, "Could one of you point me in the right direction?"
[22:53] Atrosus lux Vandigan says, "Cadet Grella, once Cadet Salis is finished with her work, you will be the last of the opening fights."
[22:54] Grella exclaims, "Okay, okay!"
[22:54] Erika blinked, eyes widening.

"OH no no no. That was a jest," She insisted. But already she was removing forceps along with a small scalpel. "However I will need to remove some of the infected tissue so it doesn't grow worse-" She paused now, with those instruments that could inflict so much pain in her hands. She evened her gaze towards Eustace solidly for quite a while, not moving as if she was debating her next words carefully.

"The crimes he listed out are quite... Well, they're certainly something," She admitted. Her hands went to work at once, the forceps pulling back a piece of the infected skin covering the wound - and the scalpel cutting it off like an expensive chef's knife through paper. "It isn't slavery - think of it as more that you'll be able to serve Esshar as a whole. Her people, mm?" She offered up. Occasionally her eyes glanced to his, to better understand the level of pain he was going through given well... She was doing this in a fucking open field.

She wasn't doing this in any sort of sterile environment and she absolutely loathed it. However...

"My belief is nobility's purpose is to show that even commoners can arise to something greater. I believe there lies potential in everyone, and, at the very least, my personal goal is to help those who wish to grasp that potential see it through." As she spoke, the forceps and scalpel continued to work their own little magic - slicing off infected tissue and skin with the deft hands of a skilled medic. All the while, that soothing feeling continued to ease at the pain but not fully.

Eventually, Erika seemed content with the state of it. Gauze was placed over the wound soon after, as well as a bandage.

"I'll be following up with your injury in a few days time to make sure it's redressed properly-" She paused now, depositing her tools back into her bag, and carefully removing the now blood stained gloves she had on to work. "My name is Erika cos Salis. A pleasure, I'm sure."
(Erika cos Salis)
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[22:57] His furiously whispered conversation done, the Radiant came back over to Eustace, raising a brow. "What do you think I plan to do with you? Make you a drink carrier? A cup bearer?" The man grinned at the thought of it.

"No, you have a different fate. Cadet Falstaff! Welcome your newest fellow recruit into the Blazing Lion Knights." A hand was clapped onto Eustace's shoulder.

"Welcome, Cadet Eustace. You will work under the same conditions my other Cadets do. You will train as they do. You will patrol as they do. If you slip up, get yourself imprisoned, make an escape attempt, or do anything else that could impeach upon my honor and yours?

You will be punished for the full extent of your crimes. Understood?"
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)
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[22:57] His expression is one of utter relief. Between the two of them, he had been the more banged up and that was absolutely for certain. With the blade, the flames. They were roasting and slicing him to bits and pieces, yet he held on. And reveals what only a handful of people knew about til this very day.

"Solon. . .that was really incredible! You're way stronger than before." He gives genuine credit amid their harsh battle of blades and water. But it is then that this becomes something more, and as his eyes close, the well of water surrounding him in a flood of the location they stood within, the dripping blood that leaked from him, begins to rise and swirl into his own water.

Before long he is flinging darts of the thicker, more red water and lashes a rope made of the substance around Solon's neck. It follows up with the original design, a whip of water striking him across his chest before a beam finishes the entire ordeal.

After that? A bubble pops and explodes against him with a finale.
And then Cristóvan walks over to the fallen boy and offers a hand---before dropping to a knee, tired from the bout.
(Cristóvan)
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[22:57] Cristóvan says, "Lemme help you---ugh, up. Pal."
[23:00] Despite the tournament, he had still held great interest in what was going on with the Radiant and the...prisoner. It was someone he had seen outside the gala, and had seen dragged away. Now, he was standing there with them. Now, he was a...cadet? Confusion was apparent on his face, and though the urge to voice himself was high, he clipped his tongue. Instead, replacing it with a smile, and a nod.

"Berrios Falstaff, Eustace. A pleasure. I hope you'll do well."

For being a criminal, for having been imprisoned, his choices had given him an opportunity most would kill for. Now, if only he would go through with it, or would he squander the estranged mercy that Vandigan had given him?
(Berrios Falstaff)
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[23:01] Would keep his distance, attempting to say away from his stuns. Only diving into melee when he needed to felt safe. Noticing mid fight that he had blood magic already threw him off... He was fighting someone with advanced magic. While he only had basic fire... The fact that he stood a chance was baffling.

At the end of the he was going to rush Cristovan noticing that both were weakened. But Cristovan walled himself off with a wave of water... An ability he hadn't seen before. As he sniped him with a bubble ending the fight.

Getting knocked over from the blast. Falling to one knee as he drew blood. "Yield, You have bested me." He states ending the fight. His magic deactivated before he knew it. Following the sheathing his blade.

He would stand up and look to Cristovan. "Thanks, I need to better myself but I have come a long way. You better win now alright." He would say with a smile on his face. Accepting the handshake.

"Good fight." He would say walking over to the wall.
(Solon Tofusin )