Legend of Ransera

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龍 The air was filled with excitement as the last day of the cotillion, and the proceedings of the tournament were going as planned. Overall the proceedings went off without incident, which surprisingly Hyoga found this whole event to be very uneventful. He was hoping for some form of excitement, not to be some ornament or deterrent.

Today was a test of skill, but in his eyes, it was a showcase, the many young nobles trying to distinguish themselves to the upper class of Kalzasi. Hyoga could appreciate today however as this was more up his speed, the grit of warriors showcasing their skill and talent to the noble class.

There was more grandstanding than he would have liked but he knew with this crowd it couldnt be helped. He figured they had to fluff up their egos every now and again. Standing atop the balcony overlooking the arena below, an interesting smile crept onto his features, excited to see the battles unfold. His task this day was easy and allowed him to observe these fights without having to be on "duty" so to speak.

The arena was alive with spectators and anticipation, everyone eager to make a name for themselves and their houses, and some knew that if they failed to perform they would lose more than a day's worth of coin. Hyo wasn't worried however, he had begun to get into the swing of things working for that foul cat a little more and came to appreciate him for the work if anything

As he was in his thoughts an announcer came over everyone's ears, grabbing their attention and focus into the center of the ring.

Welcome esteemed ladies and gentlemen to another round of skill in combat. We hope you have had your fill of the opening skirmishes as now the main course is ready and piping hot. Today we have a real treat as usual. Like most tournaments there are several rounds and the last two standing and are made to fight till only one is left alive. Today however is different, as today we are having a change to the game. A challenge is being issued to a member of our security team, by an up-and-coming star of the Syoku house, an affiliate house under the Great House of Senue. The challenge is simple, whoever is the first to yield losses. Now would a Hyoga Yoko please come and join me here in the ring.

A look of shock flashed over Hyoga's face as he heard his name echo across the arena. "What the fuck?!" he thought, still bathing in the confusion. The Master of Ceremonies called for him again, causing the kathar to sigh heavily as he vaulted himself over the balcony ledge.

The stadium was lit up by whispers and murmurs from everyone in attendance as Hyo descended into the ring. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him, and he was starting to become annoyed the longer he stood there. Looking around he was trying to find the one who apparently wanted to fight him. Soon another came down into the ring, an avialae clad in crimson armor with white and gold accent pieces.

He recognized that armor, it was like the one who attacked him at his parent's grave. His confusion now turned to sheer anger, his fist clenching tightly. The announcer now stood between them both doing his job to hype the crowd up and to set the tone for the match.

Now that both contenders are present, let us get this match underway. I don't think I need to remind you both that this is merely to get the other to yield. Now do either one of you have any words before we begin?

he asked, looking between both winged males.

"Why would you challenge me? I have no qualms with you." he inquired as he was curious as to what the other would say. A smirk formed on the avialae's face, his halberd pointing towards Hyoga. You humiliated my cousin, and that is not an insult we can allow to stand. I wish to wipe that stain from the houses' name and ensure a kathar doesn't get too high on his own damn pedestal thinking he is better than us. he barked, a look of confidence and determination in his eyes.

Hyoga wasn't surprised, Yumeko did warn him that the one he defeated that day had powerful allies, but he didn't expect this to be the way that victory would come back to bite him. In any case, Hyo would gladly oblige the synnekar, not being one to ever back down from a fight. "I hope you know what it is you have just asked for." he spat, as he called forth his pact weapon, Shimo no Tsume into his hands.

Both warriors were instructed to their respective corners, and with the sound of the signaling gun, the duel would begin. Wasting no time the other avialae rushed Hyo, his trident poised and ready. He came with a flurry of strikes forcing the kathar to go on the defensive. Hyoga doing his best to keep up with the Synnekar as he was just a bit faster than Hyo was. He decided to go on the offensives, locking his spear with the halberd, watching the sparks fly from the weapons, and feeling the vibration of the impact. Both warriors drew back, putting some distance between themselves. The kathar could only watch with irritation as the synnekar tried working up the crowd

Hyo could clearly see that both himself and the Synnar were evenly matched, but the other was just grandstanding, as this was more of a show for him, and the Hyoga couldn't help but feel insulted by his haughty display. It was fine though, as Hyo was using the time he took grandstanding to switch gears. He was confident enough that he took the first step back into the battle, soaring in towards his opponent with his spear low, angled to come up and slash him up and across the synnekar's back.

Seeing the attack coming, the warrior raised his halberd high, bringing it down to block the spear. Sparks flashed into the air as both weapons clashed several times in a dance of combat with the drive of one's honor being on the line. To those watching, it was quite the match, and many expected the noble to come out on top, noting both men being highly capable with their weapons.

The Synnekar was relentless in his assault, the spearpoint of the Synnar's halberd anxious to taste Hyoga's blood. Hyoga wasn't going to allow this however and was giving the man as good as he was getting Shimo trying to take a bite out of the man as well. The two warriors were giving it their all and Hyoga was determined to tip the scale in his favor. The Synnar however was thinking the same thing as Hyoga found himself being hit by an unknown force, one he couldn't see, as he was sent flying back skidding across the arena floor.

Surprised, he couldn't believe what he was experiencing but quickly came to the conclusion it had to be magic, and that made a smirk creep onto his face. In response, Hyo began to pool his own aether as the moister in the air began to solidify and form around him. Soon he had two floating orbs floating around him. Tapping the ends of his spear onto the ground, the spearhead became alit with blue and black flames. With magic in play, Hyo would give him all he had.

Both Hyoga and his opponent were relentless, each one going tit for tat, slash for slash, and magic for magic as they danced across the arena, then taking it to the air as they encircled each other as they ascended, sparks & blood sprinkling the air as steel bit into armor and flesh. Whatever this unseen force the Synnar was firing at him, Hyo was finding it annoying but remembered that Talon had demonstrated something similar as well.

Every time he was pelted by it he was learning, building a pattern to use against the Synnar. Hyo would use the water as a diversion, causing the synnar to focus on that while he darted around and struck from the blindspot. Hyo knew he would have to decide on if he was going to be pelted by the forceful water, or take a flaming strike from the kathar's spear. Hyo could see that he could only fire the force within the line of his sight, and was correct and darting around as using his blindside against him.

Seeing this as his chance to end things, Hyoga mustered up as much strength as he could and began to press his attack. This wasn't going to be like any of the fights he had in the past, no this one was for higher stakes. His honor and reputation were at stake, all of Kalzasi's nobility were watching him. The fact that if he won, he will have effectively ruined the Synnar's reputation got his blood pumping.

This aspect made the smirk that was on his face turn into a wicked smile. He was fighting with everything he had, holding no reservations even though it wasnt a battle to the death. As the Synnar came in with his trident, Hyoga dodged out of the way with an ariel flourish, coming back with a thrust of his wings with a flurry of strikes. If he could just keep the pressure on the Synnar it would only be a matter of time before he could take the Synnar down.

With that in mind, the moment the Synnar's halberd came to pierce Hyoga flesh he parried the weapon, jetting up and thrusting himself with his wings slamming Shimo into the Synnar as he deflected with his halberd. The crowd was going wild as the two fought, neither showing signs of yielding as they were unleashing the full weight of their arsenal upon each other. Hyo soon realized he had been severely wounded, blood pooling in his mouth.

Amidst their clash, the Synnar used his magic to pull Hyo towards him, the spearhead of the halberd poised to skewer Hyoga. Seeing this Hyo pool the water he was using in front of his chest where the halberd's spearhead would pierce him. The moment the trident made contact with the water Hyo froze it, though the spearhead of the halberd dug into his flesh. With a yell Hyo brought his spear down onto the Synnar's arm, causing him to let go of it. In that same motion, Hyo lunged forward, grabbing the Synnar by the neck.

"This ends now!" he roared as he reeled his head back and delivered a headbutt, disorienting the Synnar. Hyo wasn't done there as he gave the man a strong crack over the head with the pommel of his spear, watching as the Synnar fell out the air back into the arena floor. Upon impact, the crowd grew silent, unsure if the young noble was dead or not.

The master of ceremonies came to check on him and after a few moments confirmed that the Synnar was indeed alive but unconscious. Hyoga had descended into the arena as the crowd was still silent, many still stunned that a noble lost to a commoner, more so a Kathar. Hyoga looked out into the crowd as they remained silent when the master of ceremonies declared Hyo the victor.

With a growl he to the crowd, an expression of annoyance on his face. "Whats the matter?! Are you not entertained!?" he barked at them as he moved over to where the Synnar's halberd had fallen. Taking it in his hands he looked to the mc. "I'll be taking this as compensation. If he wishes to reclaim it, he can come and take it from me when he's stronger." he noted as he limped away, having had enough of the festivities for one lifetime. 龍

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"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"