2006 TOA R1: Shane v. Akira

[LocoColt04]

OOC: Again, I apologize for the delay. Have a glance at the Information thread if you're curious about why. In any case, let's get things going. Though it goes without saying, be sure to double check the TOA rules and have another glance through the thread about what we look for when judging -- it should help you out. Since it's already after 6pm CST on the 15th, I will not close the threads in exactly ten days.

Instead, the thread will be closed sometime on 26 Jun 2006. Judging will occur as soon as possible and the quarterfinals will go up immediately afterward.

Keep your eyes on the Information thread; all important updates will continue to go into that thread. If there are any questions, feel free to PM or utilize the Q&A thread, which will remain open. But enough of the formalities.

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The night was calm, but overcast. The moon shone brightly through the thin layer of clouds, rising and fading as the gentle breeze moved southward. The courtyard was quiet. The thin trees loomed menacingly overhead, amplified by the eerie darkness about them. A pair of leaves danced beneath a stone bench.

Much of the ground was covered in stone. It was muggy, but not quite damp enough for dew to form. Each of the courtyard's four small gardens was home to a tree; each garden was located in one of the four corners. The rest of the space was open, aside from a bench here or a pile of leaves there. The only real obstruction was the oversized stone birdbath located in the exact center. (OOC: use this however you wish, but do not destroy it)

Each wall of the courtyard held four small torches. Despite the large, open area in the middle, the lighting was quite fair -- perhaps the full moon could be thanked for that. There were two entrances; one on the east wall, leading into the dining and kitchen areas, and one on the west wall, leading into one of the main living areas. All of the bedrooms were upstairs. The entire first level of the estate was filled with common rooms, furniture, and doors to the outer estate. (OOC: you can destroy whatever you want inside the house, so long as you don't burn the place down)

The wind grew calm. Three figures appeared in a window upstairs. The unknown men, assumed to be the hosts of this tournament, stood calmly, watching over the courtyard. A voice rang out from above. "BEGIN!"

Two fighters stepped into the courtyard; one from the east, and one from the west.

[Shelus]

She is motionless behind the east entrance that leads into the courtyard. As time would soon have it, she begins to soak in the melody that her surroundings choose for her. Before too long, one could note that she begins a dance in unison to the sounds and feel of her enviroment. She dances ever so closer to the fountain, pass the two gardens that are closer to her entrance, with her first weapon of choice, the Katana that bears her name... "Genkaku," which means Illusion. As her dance becomes more and more unique, she haults. She haults to meet and praise the one that appears to be only a few years older than that of herself. Although she is aware of why he is here, that has no place over respect. A great challenge should always be greeted with a great welcome, regardless of the friend or foe.

I am very pleased to meet you. I know why you are here and I wish you the best of luck... wether you will need it or not. May both of our performances be well matched... Domo Arigato
She bows slightly to show her respect.

With her truth spoken, the katana she bears is noticed to be incridibly light as she begins to wield it one handed in her right with ease. It tends to get thinner as ones eyes would make their way to the kissaki. She continues into her dancing motion once again as she prepares for the man to take arms against her. Even with the polearm brandishing her back, her dance is smooth as it is elegant. She steps back a few paces after she has spoken and noticed every physical attribute this man has to offer. The topknot upon his head, the brown eyes that show little hint of yellow... possibly the same yellow that are of Genkaku's eyes. She catches a perfect glimpse of his sheathed weapons... Beautiful she whispers to herself. Even the Japanese attire he wears so easily makes Genkaku feel amazed that there are those who still appreciate the formal Kimono of her fellow warriors alike.

Her incredible skill in this rare art starts off at slow pace. Becoming one with her surroundings... every one little thing will add to the movement she'll make only half a second later. Wether this 'thing' be a noise of a razer thin blade slicing through the air, making that slight whistling tone that few can hear. Wether this 'thing' be a smell given off by the water that spews out of every mouth the bird bath has to offer. She has faith in this wonderful art yet she yurns to spice it up a bit. She slowly nears the man as the blade in her right seems to move from one portion of her body to the next. It is a rare sight to see one move a katana so freely and still utilize key defensive points as she starts to slow dance towards him.

She is now a good four feet away from this man who she has yet to hear a name from. Within a moments flicker of time, her slow dance breaks freely as she rolls up to the young man. Her 'spice' is a simple free style dance technique, and as she rolls closer to him... she is now in the middle of her role... her left foot is pulled forth to srike this man at the lower portion of his ribs. The right leg is pulled forth as well, but not as much, for it must remain calm incase it is needed to defend any small flaw of this 'spice.'

By the way... what might your name be? Tell me yours and I shall tell you mine. Well?
This fierce woman speaks as she seems to demand an answer.

[Akira]

(OOC: I'm going to start my characters' intro a little before where your character left off.)

There were five candles perfectly lined up in front of him. The beautiful and elegant shimmer of the flames set the room into a calm and peaceful ambient. Tetsuya lay crouched on the floor of the room with his forehead resting on the ground and his arms extended upwards. He was meditating and gathering all his tranquility to form a majestic peace within himself.

He grabbed an incense stick and lit it, waving it back and forth. The sweet pungent smell penetrated his nostril, as he felt weariness fall over him. He looked forward at the candles but was unable to concentrate. A feeling of nausia overwhelmed him as he fell unconcious. Mere minutes later, he awakened and was as clearheaded as ever. He grabbed his daisho and held it towards the candles as if to offer a tribute.

'My master, I shall commence with your wishes. I ask that you and the gods grant me your power and protection and guide me to a swift victory over injustice and dishonor. Bishamonten! God of war and battle, I dedicate this battle to you!'

Tetsuya jumped up and slid his daisho into his sash. He opened the sliding doors to his room, leaving the candles burning strongly inside.

Going from one hallway to the other, he eventually made his way to the western entrance leading into the courtyard of the mighty manor. He immidiately saw a beautiful birdbath which didn't slouch on detail. It's majestic size implied that it was most certainly not only for the birds to enjoy. Tetsuya dipped his hand into the cool bath and applied his hand to his forehead, letting the droplets of refreshing water run down his face.

"I am very pleased to meet you. I know why you are here and I wish you the best of luck... wether you will need it or not. May both of our performances be well matched... Domo Arigato," said a gentle voice suddenly. Tetsuya looked up in surprise to see a women prancing along the courtyard. He had relented to notice her in his tranquil thoughts but now her elegant dance had
entranced him. He nodded at her inquiry and kept a stern yet bedazzled face.

Tetsuya backed up slightly, standing straight and taking up an honorable, almost picteresque pose. The woman's dance started to move towards Tetsuya's direction, however, never making Tetsuya feal threatened in any means. The movements were just as vivid and fluid as before. Suddenly, the woman unsheathes her katana all the while continuing to dance.

"By the way... what might your name be? Tell me yours and I shall tell you mine. Well?"

Tetsuya never taking his hand from Bishamonten in any situation, instinctively pulls out the intimidating blade, blocking the attack launched at his midsection with ease. He moved to the side and looked at his enemy.

"I am Takekami Tetsuya of Owari Province. But you must not tell me your name...Genkaku! I have heard much of the woman who dares to venture into the way of the warrior. Your blasphemy of the Samurai traditions has not gone unnoticed. I will fight to uphold the old way!!!"

Bishamonten gave off an odd reflection as Tetsuya flicked a torch from one of the holders towards Genkaku, simultaneously rolling behind the women and thrusting his sword at her feet.

[Shelus]

Hmph!? Blasphemy you say? I? HA! I have come across no such action through my doing. Or... do you feel this way due to my gender?

Her eyes set upon the man in blazing anger as those thoughts of his came unto words. She continues out of her roll while all the same dragging her sword along poetically in an upper cut motion to meet the torch. She stands and causes to herself to stagger forward as she realizes the man is now behind her, only to hear the sound of metal clash upon the concrete face... where her foot or ankle would have been. A sound ripples through the bath water as the firey end of the torch smacks across the water. The noise of the splash against the water surface will undoubtedly add to her next dancing technique. She will be swift and fluid like the water itself, able to move around almost any opposing force.

As her balance is regained, she takes in a deep breath and whips out a long thin black silk cloth and raises it up to her eyes. Softly, her elegant hands reach around her head and slowly... she ties a knot, covering her eyes. Odd this move may be, but a lesson that any one veteran of the arts has learned before, is quite the same to what Genkaku will demonstrate now. One does not need senses percieved by the eye to dance, or even to fight for that matter.

She now begins to walk up to this warrior known as Tetsuya, and walk is all she shall do for this technique. She paces herself with an even slower dance than before, but this dance is a bit odd, it's more of a beautiful walk if anything. She steadily plunges into a series of spins that tend to steer her blade ever so closer to Tetsuya. Her exact technique will soon be seen and utilized, but until then... she must wait for him to make his next move. Now... she merely aims to cause him to strike out of anger.

Do not dare plan to underestimate me like this. If you decide to... then you shall fall. I do this now simply to see how you react against someone thought to be blind. I do not need eyes for this fight... I'll show you what I mean soon enough.

Her other thoughts become dormant as she now begins to think of only one thing... but that one thing might be anything at the moment. This womans mind shall not be so easily read. Any thought she would have might be considered pointless as she starts to play a childs game with the mind of her new friend.

Hmph... come, here is your blasphemy for the taken... if you accept!

[Akira]

Tetsuya looked at his opponent in disbelief as she pulled out the silk cloth and blindfolded herself.

'She must be quite confident of her skills if she thinks she can outmaneuver me in a blinded state. Then again, any skilled warrior is able to use his other senses to percieve their opponent which may make this somewhat interesting. I'll have to test her first before concieving my next battle strategy.'

Tetsuya knew to never underestimate any enemy, no matter how hopeless the situation looked for the opponent. In fact, most enemies were in their most dangerous element with their backs against a wall. They are like the mighty tiger, who if caught in a trap or cage is the fiercest beast imaginable. His inability to escape creates and arouses great rage within him, turning him into a killing machine that knows no fear.

He would not let Genkaku get the upperhand in this way. One mistake would mean a loss and possibly even death. Tetsuya would first test the potential of his would-be enemy and then strike.

'She seems to react to her environment, or rather her movements are influenced by her surroundings. Each dance style she used thus far seemed to mirror something around us. I can use this against her.'

One place that would create a handicap for her was the inside of the building. The small confines of the rooms would make movements harder and what ever tactic she had planned with the blindfold would surely go to waste inside. Also, Tetsuya could get the element of surprise in the shadowy innards of the building as well as use any obstacles to his advantage. A true warrior puts his enemy at a disadvantage when he feels that his opponent is superior. Tetsuya felt a certain amount of weakness facing Genkaku. He didn't know what it was yet but he was determined to find out.

Placing his katana on the ground, he let the clashing sound attract Genkaku's attention.

"You seem to be quite confident that you can beat me. But do not underestimate any enemy...EVER!"

With that, Tetsuya unsheathed both Bishamonten as well as Yomi and layed them on the ground. He started dragging them along as he made his way into the building's western entrance. Genkaku had no choice but to follow if she was looking to continue the fight.

Tetsuya was the tiger. He was fierce and was ready to stalk his pray. He waited in the tranquil environment for his victim to arrive...

[Shelus]

Genkaku stands where she had previously been with a small train of thought. She is well aware of where Tetsuya plans to take this fight. Even though the disadvantage she will soon face is apparent, she must now learn how to deal with this problem.

So he plans to make this cage smaller? I must say... I might of underestimated him tonight. Oh well... no wounds, no deaths... still time to learn from mistakes.

Hesitant at first, Genkaku takes a deep breath and decides it is time to face this fear that has been inflicted upon her fightiing style for some time. Even though this time will be much like others, she hopes... she prays that the inside enviroment will not slow her down as it has done in the past. What better way to learn from ones mistakes than retrying it blindfolded? One could think there are many other ways, but Genkaku's mind is on the fight now. Nothing will keep her from reaching any goal that she might have for this tournament.

She now follows the scratching blades like a moth to the flame. With her head held low in concentration of styles, she walks forward as she gently leans to her left and right in a repeating motion. To her left, she nears... to her right, she nears... she gets closer as she realizes that she can no longer be afraid of these confined obstacles that plague her mind. Yet she still walks with one hand firmly placed around the hilt of the Genkaku and her left hand poised to take out another weapon if so desired.

Very well... I shall play your game of cat and mouse. Although I perfer the hand and the fi... hmmm...... THAT'S IT!!!

A smile of satisfaction envelopes her blind face as her confidence in the room ahead has just increased greatly. She now smiles as if she knows how to plan every move ahead. She will be as a fish against this cat, the cat trys relentlessly to catch the fish through water only to realize his own flaw. Although a manuever perhaps unseen as of yet, all of such selfishness have this flaw, and it will be prevailed in due time.

Upon entering the west entrance, she can now feel that she is approached with the challenge of the estate's living areas. With sword in hand and herself in a defensive dancing stance of sorts, she waits for this predator to make the first strike.

[Akira]

(OOC: I had little to work with in this one so it's somewhat short.)

"I know your...secret!" an echo said coming from behind Genkaku.

"The old man," the echo suddenly came from the front.

"His blood is upon your hands," the echo continued, having changed directions again.

"You have no honor!"

It seemed as if the source of the echo was everywhere and anywhere. No specific direction could be located to find the speaker. It was no doubt Tetsuya using the war tactics of fear and fright to scare his opponent.

Shadows moved all around the building. Was he really moving that fast? Or was there some simple trick behind this? Suddenly, another shadow that outlined a man. Again it disappeared. The movement of shadows abrubtly stopped. One of the walls again outlined the manly form.

The sudden tearing sound immediately made apparent that this was the true Tetsuya, the "tiger" that had stalked his victim and was now ready to pounce upon his prey.

As Bishamonten tore through the thin paper wall, Tetsuya lunged towards Genkaku who was standing in the middle of one of the living confines. He made a simple thrust for Genkaku but purposely missed as he rolled onwards through another paper wall. Again he had disappeared. Tetsuya circled around the room multiple times, rustling against the walls and creating as much noise as possible. The plethora of sounds would put Genkaku off guard until finally, Tetsuya would strike and hopefully land a hit on the helpless opponent.

Tetsuya again, yet without notice, exploded through the wall and lunged towards Genkaku, this time with the intent of landing a critical hit.

[Shelus]

No panicing... no panicing... I'll be fine. Let us not overreact

She calms herself as this Tetsuya begins to prounce around the living areas of this spectactular estate. Yet even with the slight disadvantage that this room gives off, Genkaku stays her smile as she knows that the sound of blade through paper is not the only sound she concentrates on. In this unique fighting style of sorts, one must be able to channel out certain sounds in order to hear the sound or sounds that count the most. Tetsuya just happens to give off three of such sounds. She could feel his very being readying for attack, but just as swiftly... he turned elsewhere to continue his destruction of the paper walls.

Through one wall and out one, through one wall and out of another one. His process is steady as she begins to concentrate on these three sounds alone with others still in mind... just in case. As sudden as his last attack is, Genkaku is prepared to meet the attack head on, and so she does. She turns as she feels his breathing nearing ever so closer. As she becomes faced properly before him, it is noticed that her right hand has firm grip of the Genkaku and her other hand has just released one of her Bo-Shurikens aimed at what feels like the source of Tetsuya's breathing. A deadly little projectile must have been placed in her palm during Tetsuya's soundfull event. Yet now, her left wrist is in the path of the blade as she prepares to defend against this blade using the bangle that is snug fit and ready for the attack.

...You mean my father? Yes... I suppose that is the only one you would refer to at a moment such as this. But know this, I'am well aware of killing my father. His death was a just reward to himself, and I have forgiven myself long ago for that act... regardless of how justified it was.

The sound of brass and steel prepare to clash for the first time in this battle. If the shuriken is seen and he plans to knock it away, this will bring up an excellent opportunity for Genkaku to strike. If his sword connects with the bangle on her left wrist at all, she will be able to strike as well. Wether these stikes will be successfull or not... time will soon tell. Genkaku now readies to defend with her sword in case either one does not go according to plan. Although if the bangle does not go according to plan, this may prove fatal for the female Ronin. But then again... she might be able to sense any virtuous movement on his behalf, only causing her to pull her wrist away.

((( OOC: I made a bit of a mistake on the time frame of Akira's character. He has told me this and he also said that I could edit this part out and that it would be okay by him. If this is still not accepted however. Please forgive me. )))

[LocoColt04]

OOC POST:
Well, because it was a discussed thing and not some spontaneous edit on your behalf, I'll let it slip. By the by, thank you for the PM regarding the matter. The only reason the edit limit exists is because, in a tournament, all posts are to be submitted under the impression that they are in their finalized state. Some of the writers tend to respond rather quickly, so editing posts could completely throw them off. I already know of one other writer in this tournament who is about to be disqualified for that exact same thing. In any case, since this seems to have been something that the two of you discussed, I'll turn a blind eye to it this time -- just keep the 15 minute grace period in mind in the future, eh?

[LocoColt04]

Okay, congratulations, everyone. These first rounds, overall, were quite impressive. Judgement will come within the next three days, and the second round will start at that time. So, if you would please, just keep an eye on your threads, and the second round will start later this week!