Spoliarium c2

Spoliarium
Volume (undecided) — The Path to Legendary
Chapter 2 — The Ninja and The Knight

The silent form of Myst, wearing his all-black uniform with straw sandals and a golden symbol emblazoned upon the back of his gi, stares through what seems to be the void of his hooded mask towards the towering form of Crimson, a well-known knight of the Hildashar army. Crimson's well-polished blood-red helmet gleams just as brightly as his brilliantly giant steel sword in the intense noontime sunlight that peers in through the holes of the ceiling. He is speaking to his apprentice, a young girl in matching red armor. The two smile as though father and daughter, as they prepare for the bloodshed that lies before them. They receive their coins and make their way to the arena gate. The gate beyond them leads to the main arena. As the crowd roars, and the chill of the dreaded knight Cryptos' icy attacks dissipate, the sand begins to blow into the anteroom from the wind. Myst nods in approval as Kobalt passes him by silently. Myst looks back to Crimson, “I shall not be merciful masked one,” says Crimson, “But, if either of us ends up losing without death, shall we then show mercy?” For the first time since arriving, Myst speaks with a heavy and cold voice, “If that is the way you wish it, warrior. Mercy to the fallen is honorable.” and without another word, the two men walk out onto the field of sand and blood. They take their positions, leaving approximately a hundred yards of space between. At the sound of the bell, Crimson darts forward, his sword so near to the ground that the sand kicks up as dust behind it. Myst stands still, waiting, watching. “If you don't move, this will be your end!” yells Crimson as he continues on his track. Upon swinging range, Crimson twists his body, and his giant blade carves violently through the sand, emerging just behind Mysts' feet, sure to tear him in two. In a flash, Myst is gone, a puff of black smoke remaining, as Crimson's sword continues its arc into the sky, its weight and momentum so much that the sword finishes its swing for him, bringing the blade back towards the sand. Myst is right there behind Crimson, crouching and looks up in surprise as the blade rushes towards his head. Myst rolls to his left and strikes with his katana at Crimson's armored leg, nicking the hard metal. Crimson quickly swats him with the flat of his blade, knocking Myst backwards. Myst slides a few more feet and kicks off of the sand, causing his body to do a backwards somersault, putting him back on his feet. Myst then moves, almost as fluidly as ever as he approaches Crimson again. Neither changing speed nor direction, he just continues altering his weight as he moves swiftly back to the place of battle. Crimson prepares his sword in a higher guard than before, anticipating a strike to his mid-section. Then, he notices in Myst's left hand is a jewel so brilliant it shines unlike any other. Once again Myst is gone with a flash. From behind Crimson, Myst swings his sword towards Crimson's lightly armored back. Crimson takes a chance and lifts his own sword behind him just soon enough to eliminate Myst's attack. He spins with a top-down strike and Myst jumps back, allowing the giant blade to lodge in the sand harmlessly. Crimson quickly fixes his guard and the two men begin to circle each other, searching for a breaking point. As Crimson looks to be preparing for another top-down strike, Myst thrusts his sword, catching nothing but metal from a windmill like slash. Myst's sword flies out of his hands, lodging itself in the sand. Crimson then takes his chance, advancing upon Myst with much haste. Myst continues to circle Crimson until his sword is behind him. Realizing this plan, Crimson stops his attack and begins moving backwards, cautiously keeping an eye on Myst, still standing and breathing heavily. “Tell me, assassin, why do you fight today?” says Crimson. Myst's voice, still cold, still heavy, “I'm fighting…to exist.” Once again, Crimson sees the jewel shine, and Myst once more dissipates from the arena. Upon feeling the blade press coldly upon his shoulder, Crimson spins with a terrifying quickness, his blade following the arc of his arms. Myst drops to the ground, the blade of Crimson's sword tearing violently through the air. Rolling, Myst springs up from the ground, connecting with Crimson's armored chin with a hard kick. Crimson falls to the ground, barely conscious. Myst stands over him and replaces his katana in its sheath. “You've fought well, warrior.” he extends his hand to Crimson, helping him up. “Indeed, friend. I have lost this battle,” says Crimson. Crimson's young apprentice runs out to retrieve his sword. Her face is vibrant, but full of pain. “I don't understand father,” she says to him, “you've never lost a battle before.” Supported by Myst, Crimson pats her head, “If only you knew my dear. I've lost many times, Cassandra. Every battle is a loss; there are no winners. Not even here.” Myst, Crimson and Cassandra walk quickly to clear the fighting field. Crimson looks at Myst once more, “Is existence truly your only reason for fighting, masked one?” Myst chuckles softly, “To tell you the truth, I came to finish the mission given me by King Allende before his death. Though, it was not I, but that boy who finished it for me.” Crimson’s face begins to show concern, “I was ordered by my King, the night before he died, to kill Durin, his son in order to return peace to L’Aquila. Until now, I have failed. And, now I understand. Only one whose heart remains pure in all things can destroy a man whose heart has completely given himself to darkness.” Crimson nods, “So, I see. He was the one who dragged the L’Aquila kingdom into darkness. He lost himself in battle.” Crimson turns to Cassandra, “Cassie,” said Crimson, “I see that you’ve already received your coin. That means it's your turn next. Defeat your opponent with honor, as I've taught you. But, remember. Everyone loses something in a battle...don't lose yourself, or your purpose.” Cassandra nods solemnly, “I'll make you proud, father. I will fight well.”