[psychosyd]

Sylius watched as his attack connected with Aronel's earthen shield, and then shatter..... the dust was chocking and thick, making it hard to breathe. He covered his eyes with his free arm, trying to get some kind of view as to where his opponent was. He hoped that his opponent was just as blinded by the dust cloud, but one could never be to sure. Soon, the dust settled, and Sylius was glad to see that Aronel was also adjusting from the storm... he was protected this time... next time he may not be so lucky to have his opponent stunned as well. Shaking himself free of the cloying dust which still clinged to his body, he got a good portion of if off of him, but his hair was another matter..

"Well, I suppose im going to need to take a shower after this..." he smiled to himself, as he got back into his battle stance. From afar, Aronel seemed to be acting a bit odd, staggering towards Sylius like he was possesed by something

Odd... something is different about him, he is not as in control, something has happened to him, as if he were not himself, I wonder what his life has been these past years... Deaus commented

Well, no matter what it is, I don't want to wait to find out

Indeed, Aronel was quickly closing the distance between the two, his speed growing more focused, more regular, making dodges from side to side, keeping Sylius on the balls of his feet. Aronel suddenly planted his foot, making a slash at Sylius left. Taking his blade and swinging it in an arc to deflect the attack, he found that his opponent had instead lunged to his opposite flank, attacking from his right. Quickly whipping his blade in a full circle, he cought Aronels sword on the other side, deflecting it downwards, and away, while Sylius himself took a step back to avoid being sliced in half by the sword. The blade came to close for ones comfort. Aronel may seem out of control and not together, but it was a game, a ploy, and Sylius would no longer be cought off guard. Taking advantage of the motion, Sylius spun around, making a full arc with his sword, attacking Aronels blind side. Aronel was already preparing his own counter, stepping back, and swinging his blade level at Sylius, deflecting the attack. Both men began to battle back and forth, blows flashing almost as fast as the eye can follow, attacking with a fury. Block, jump, parry dodge, thrust, Sylius' training was paying well, as he used his blade as part of his body, his movments graceful and fluid, it was not enough however, Aronels slowly driving Sylius on the defensive, then slowly beating him back. Breathing heavily, all Sylius could do was defend himself from the savagry of the attacks pressing down upon him. He knew his strength was lagging, fading, he would not be able to last much longer.

"Gotta think fast... or yer dead"

Yet... something odd began to happen, Sylius began to feel a guiding hand in his attacks, his training coming clearer Sylius felt an inner strength forming within, soon the 2 opponents were back on even ground, Sylius was able to hold his own, gaining back what ground he lost. The two men broke free of each other, Sylius' chests and shoulders heaving from the assult, but he had survived. Aronel took no time to rebegin his assult, the two men began attacking back and forth once more, but this time as equals. Only one person could be responsible for such a curious change...

Deaus, why are you helping me Sylius thought.

You are my vessel, my chosen one... through you will my goals be accomplished

WHAT?? Sylius exclaimed, reinforcing his suprise with a powerful thrust, knocking Aronels blade away, and jumping back.

Deaus chuckled at the action

Good... good, it seems there is still hope for you after all...

What do you mean vessel? Am I just some pawn of yours for the taking?

Of course... why else did you think you recieved the training you had? I was, in my life, the same as you are, trained by the greatest of teachers in the Tower, Bellanor himself. I guided you through life, so that someday you would be my revenge. I have been the one to set up your life... you even reforged my blade, how thoughtful of you

Sylius recoiled in horror... his actions odd to Aronel, who had taken a momment to watch, confused by such acts

You mean... YOU were the one who caused my creation? You were the one who had my village destroyed and wiped out? You were the one to put me through so much pain and suffering? Just so I would be some meer PAWN for your play

Yes, I did help influence the destruction of your pathetic little town, it was nessecary to give you a push out the door

Sylius raised his blade over his head, the sky darkening, anger flashing in his eyes.

I AM NOBODYS PAWN! He screamed in anger, the elements around responding to his outburst. He rushed towards Aronel with a new fury, hacking and slashing, taking out his fury. Taking his blade in both hands, Sylius swings it in a full semi circle, getting Aronel to back off. Pointing one hand at Aronel, he begins to focus his energy, letting the winds of magic flow through his body, he could feel the extasy of the power igniting his veins. Sylius poured all his anger and sadness into his spell, a red ball of energy begining to form at his fingertips, his hand igniting in flame.

"Let the holy flame of Asuryan guide my steps. Bring forth the destruction of thine enemies. Purge the evils of this land, as you bring down your wrath!"

Apothesis!

Grasping his sword hilt, he stabbed his sword into the ground. Bringing his hands together palm to palm, his fingers curled, he let all of his energy run through his body into his hands. The magic discharged from his body, forming into a sphere of fire. Screaming, he raised his hands over his head, enlarging the sphere. Releasing the restraints Sylius held on the spell, they launched from his body, a line of fire cutting through the sky. Suddenly, they split apart, making a shower of flame spears, crackling with power as they cut through the sky towards Aronel, on there own seperate tracks, weaving in and out, circling, following there own path, the snake like holy fire launching toward there intended target, a rain of fire coming down on the earth, even burning the air with the heat