Knight

[Rayster]

The second one. I hope it lives up to ur expectations...if any :D
I'll post this in 3 bits so its not as long as I fear ppl won't read it if it looks too long.

This one is actually from a whole story I started writing a year back - but I took this section out, kind of like a short story which I *hope* can stand up on its own...
I hope u like it...
thanks for reading!!
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KNIGHT (Section 1 of 3)

The stadium was packed. Forty thousand people watched the Champion take down a challenger in the semi-finals with a few swings of his mighty sword. He held his blade high as he was sent through to the final.
Knight watched the current champion from the tunnels. His match was next. Looking to the other side of the stadium and in the tunnel he saw his opponent. He was as tall as Knight but much older, about 30. Knight had recently turned 18 and had enrolled in the Championship Tournament, which determined the town’s greatest warrior. Knight looked into the crowd. It was boisterous, even though the match with the Champion had ended. He couldn’t see Master Sol anywhere. Maybe he was meditating again.
Knight heard his name called by the official and he walked out of the tunnel to be hit by the heat of the sun. It was getting very hot, which made fighting even more difficult. It was a real test of stamina at times. His opponent was also called.
Knight heard his name to be Gavin or something…
The crowds went wild as the competitors entered the centre square. Knight saw His Majesty; Shin Jon Garci, sitting on a nice chair to the right.
The official called for the fighters to stand behind their sides of the line and then he raised his arms…
“Begin!”
The official backed off quickly as Knight watched his opponent enter the square. Knight did the same, with his sword just above his shoulder to his right. Gavin quickly withdrew a hand-axe and threw it under handed at Knight. Knight hit the hatchet down with his sword as Gavin ran in, his sword to the side. The blades clashed as Gavin threw attack after attack. Knight blocked the attacks quickly, backing off. Gavin almost had Knight on the line – stepping outside would be forfeiting. Knight blocked an attack to his head, and pushed Gavin’s sword away regaining his position safely inside the square.
Gavin came at him again and Knight defended a few attacks and then attempted one himself, which Gavin stepped away from, parrying Knight’s blade away and spinning to try and strike Knight in the face. Knight was caught off balance and he realised in that split-second that his sword would take a half a second too long to get back up. His helmet would save his head, but he would lose.
Out of instinct, Knight threw up his left arm to save his head. The blade clanged against Knight’s arm. Everyone in the stadium cried out in surprise. The sword should have pierced Knight’s armoured arm – yet Knight hopped away unhurt. Gavin growled at Knight who seemed totally unhurt…until he saw the blade held by Knight in his left hand. It was actually attached to the armour. Instead of keeping his secondary weapon by the belt, Knight had earlier attached it to the outside of his wrist so that the blade stretched down to his elbow and provided protection for his arm. It had also been useful in surprise attack, where the opponent would see a punch fly in and move back, only to see the blade fly out to the side and hit them across the head, slicing the helmet.
It was something the Swordsman: Vilo, had worked on with Knight – it was a very powerful tool. All Knight had to do when throwing the punch was to whip it back it in, after the flick knife flew out at the opponent. The blade was attached to the handle by a screw, which allowed the blade to spin out and straighten.
Gavin came at Knight again with a flurry of attacks. Expertly dodging the attacks Knight never lost his balance. Gavin too was balanced, his feet moving with poise. Knights’ first few challengers were above eighteen, but still young and novices compared to Knight. They were the ‘heroes’ who entered to charm the ladies. They never lasted. They concentrated solely on full-blooded attacks with the sword, focusing only on strength. Relying only on brute strength, they were no match even for a low class duellist.
Knight remembered his first opponent. He didn’t know jack about fighting. Running in, completely off balance the ‘boy’ had swung down as hard as he could. Knight sidestepped and tripped his opponent, placing the blade at his throat. The crowd had booed. Such a short fight was not worth their money. The second opponent in a way had been even more of a bore. At least the first had gone out quickly. The man Knight had fought had swung the huge blade again and again; from the sides and swinging down hard from the front. He hardly aimed - the sword was too big. Knight had almost yawned as he stepped back from the attacks. A wild boar would destroy that man.
His attacks took forever to get to Knight’s position. Knight then decided to end it after the crowd had had enough. Another sluggish swing from the side and Knight thrust forward his sword, snapping the man’s chest plate, ending the fight.
Gavin however knew what he was doing. Knight smiled. At least the real competition was here. The challenge would be in the final against the Champion.
Gavin leapt forward again. Knight parried and moved.
‘Just defending eh?’ muttered Gavin, sweats running down his baldhead. ‘Can’t attack?’
A blank stare from Knight was the reply.
Gavin attacked again with a series of well-practiced manoeuvres. Knight defended using the sword and his wrist-blade, only snapping the blade out from his forearm to ward off the attack. Gavin took a few steps back and clutched his sword tightly with two hands, the blade inches from his nose.
‘I’m going to the final,’ said Gavin with a grin. ‘You can’t block forever—
‘I’m getting bored,’ interrupted Knight. ‘I think I’ll finish this now.’
A look of panic crossed Gavin’s face, and then he relaxed. ‘You’re a cocky one aren’t you? And oh so young.’ He scowled at Knight.
Gavin leapt forward with an open thrust, completely devoid of his defences. Knight smiled – his plan had worked.
As the blade came in Knight flicked it aside and sent a deadly riposte, which smashed off Gavin’s helmet, his head snapping back with the force. His neck plate took the pressure and saved his life. Gavin fell back, swearing at Knight after a moment of realization, as the young sorcerer-knight turned and walked back to the tunnels to await the final round.

[Rayster]

Knight sat patiently in his allocated room, waiting for the call to fight the final, his armour piled on the floor. He assessed his route to the final. It had been relatively easy, besides the quarterfinal. Knight had been lucky then. The quarterfinals had been a real scare, and Knight knew he had taken the man too lightly after his first two wins. The man had been huge - bear sized. His blade was slightly corroded and his attacks were lightning fast. At first Knight had simply avoided them, but the attacks had gotten faster and faster and soon he had been forced to use his own sword. He was almost in a corner as the man came at him. On the edge of panic, Knight decided it was time to use his wrist-blade, but it would have to be perfectly timed. The man had come in, and slightly slipped. Knight had quickly advanced, forcing himself out of the corner with grit determination, defending the attacks while moving forward and sending riposte after riposte until he was out. It was a risky manoeuvre, and one, which only the most skilled could perform. Still…
A knock came at his door. Knight was startled. This soon? He had only just begun to relax…
The door opened and a beautiful girl his age with long dark hair peered in. ‘Hello Knight!’
‘Oh…hi Miya.’ She smiled and stepped in. Knight could suddenly feel sweat on his palms. He was suddenly aware of his ripped clothes. I must look like an idiot, he thought. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked. He realized he might have sounded rude. ‘I mean…’
‘Just here to wish you luck for the finals!’ said Miya as she gazed at the weapons and armour lying on the floor.
‘Oh...thanks,’ Knight managed to say. He said nothing and she still stood there. He thought he should say something. Why the hell was she still standing there?
‘Oh yeah, that’s it!’ she said finally. ‘I had to give you this!’ She reached into her pocket and produced a pin.
Knight stared at it blankly. ‘Uh…what is that for?’
‘How should I know?’ she frowned. ‘Your teacher, Vilo said to give this to you because your weapon was…loose I think. Something about your wrist guard…’
She must mean my wrist blade, thought Knight. He had asked Vilo after the fight about a new pin, the one in his immediate had come slightly loose.
‘I’ll see if I can find one,’ Vilo had said. ‘Otherwise don’t use it.’
Knight took the pin and thanked Miya. She smiled again, her green eyes flashing. Another knock came at the door and Miya turned. It was an official.
The official bowed respectfully. ‘The fight will commence in ten minutes, sir.’ He moved on.
Miya turned back. ‘I’ll see you out there then. But I don’t think you’ll win. Not that I don’t want you to win, I mean. I remember when you used to be really bad with the sword when we were younger - even I beat you then. I know you’ve improved, but this guy is really good. I saw him fight last year and he took down his opponent in the final in less than five minutes! Can you believe that?’ She sighed. ‘Well bye then.’ She smiled, and waved as she disappeared round the corner.
Knight looked at the doorway and breathed out. That was more exhausting than the fight. He had just nodded on dumbly.
He whipped out his wrist blade then, trying to forget what sort of impression he had just made. He removed the old pin and carefully inserted the new one. He then flicked the blade in and out, again and again until he was satisfied. Then he checked the pin again. It was still firm. He started to feel edgy and he could hear the crowd above him. He got up and stretched. Satisfied, he put on his armour and decided to take a walk around the tunnel before the fight to calm himself. Sitting alone in the room letting his imagination run away with him would do no good.
Knight shut the door to his room and walked through the wide tunnel. Spectators were down here too, using it as a shortcut to get to various places. Most of them booed him as he walked past, but some patted him on the back and wished him luck. The underdog always got a few supporters, he thought smiling to himself. Even he, as a boy, had always gone for the underdog. To watch a man on the brink fight back was sensational. Today that would be me…
Knight rounded the bend when he saw Miya far ahead talking to the smiling champion. Knight struggled to recall the champion’s name…Spec…Spectator? No you idiot. Spectra? He heard someone say a name.
Shekta. That was it. Knight took a deep breath and took a few steps forward when he saw Miya turn away. Shekta suddenly grabbed her arm and swung her around. There were serious looks on their faces and Shekta was saying something. There was an exchange of words and he then saw Miya pull her hand away. A smile had creased Shekta’s face and he said something. Anger crossed Miya’s face and she slapped him. A few people stopped what they were doing and looked at the champ.
Knight knew Shekta felt utter humiliation...what would he do?
The champ turned back to Miya and glared at her. His hand suddenly flashed out and he had her by the throat against the wall. People looked away.
Anger tore through Knight and he was about to whip out his sword when Shekta let go. Miya fell to her feet. She looked fiercely at Shekta, tears beginning to form. Shekta smiled and said something else. Miya turned and ran towards Knight. As she came closer he could see red marks on her neck. A cold fury settled on him as she ran past, tears flying off her face.

[Rayster]

The sun’s relentless heat baked the crowd but they came in their thousands to fill the stadium. Knight was already standing at the centre when he saw Shekta appear. He clutched his sword’s hilt tightly, his face set. His opponent was waving to the crowd. Their response was a monstrous wave of sound. Knight had never heard anything like it. As Shekta stepped onto the square their eyes met.
I’m going to kill you—
The official approached. ‘The final of the Cup!’ he roared above the crowd. ‘The rules differ slightly. If the helmet is knocked off the individual will be given ten seconds to replace it. If he cannot the match will be lost. Now…the current Champion Shekta Rossi, versus the challenger Knight…err…’
‘It’s just Knight.’
‘Ain’t got no family, eh?’ muttered Shekta.
Knight’s fury was reaching its peak as the official announced for the fight to begin. As Vilo had taught him, an angry fighter never achieved anything. He would miss obvious chances and his attacks would be flawed. Knight drew his blade and stepped back as Shekta leapt forward. Parrying a few attacks Knight stepped out of the way. Knight lunged forward, Shekta parried. Knight attacked, searching for an opening. Shekta smiled as he backed away and Miya’s pain-full face appeared in Knight’s mind. Before he knew what he was doing he had leapt forward and was swinging madly at the champ, yelling out with fury. He could contain it no more. He swung his blade repeatedly at the champ. He heard a clang and Shekta’s blade ripped through Knight’s chest. It was just under the shoulder and the pain was unbearable. He gasped and backed away as the blade exited. Blood flowed freely from the wound and Knight went down on one knee, struggling with the new sensation.
The official stepped forward. ‘If you cannot fight it will be declared—.’
‘I’ll fight!’ Knight rose, swaying on his feet. Shekta laughed.
‘Give it up boy.’
Knight glared at the champ and took a step forward. His knee seemed to slacken and he almost fell. It was too hot, he realised. I’m too tired…I’m hurt…it hurts…
You’re angry. That’s what’s wrong.
Knight snapped to attention. He lifted his blade and tried to calm down. Shekta attacked with frightening speed. Knight struggled to parry all of them and he was cut repeatedly on the arms and legs. He gasped for breath and took a few steps back. Knight swore. Shekta was fast…and powerful. Knight realised some of the cuts on his arm were from his own blade, trying to block the attacks.
Shekta charged again, his attacks frenzied and swift. Knight regained his balance and sent a riposte, which clanged off Shekta’s armour. Another attack by Knight saw a cut to the Champion’s face and blood trickled out.
‘I’m going to kill you…’ said Knight. Shekta frowned. Knight took a step forward and tightened his grip on the handle of his sword. His vision started to sway and blood covered his left eye. When was I struck in the helmet…?
Shekta attacked again but this time Knight knew the man’s movements. A swift sidestep after a few parry’s and Knight had Shekta open. A thrust saw the helmet fly clear. Knight followed through with his blade but Shekta rolled back and replaced his helmet.
‘Tricky,’ said Shekta. ‘So you think you know me…?’
He attacked again – a decoy, then a powerful swing. Knight’s sword swept up to meet it and it was knocked down. Knight was now in the open and he saw Shekta’s blade fly in. Knight rolled away, his own sword rising. He stood to face Shekta. The champ ran in. Knight waited…and ducked at the last second. The sword swung above his head and he knocked off Shekta’s helmet again. Shekta realised he had to get to his helmet but he saw Knight’s sword come up and he raised his own sword and knocked Knight’s down. Miya’s face flashed again in Knight’s mind and he threw a punch with his left hand, his pain forgotten as Shekta stepped back. Something flashed in the air.
Shekta stopped, his hand reached up to his neck. His eyes were wide in shock…and he gripped the sharp object protruding from his neck. Blood flowed out. Knight stood still. His face was that of anger. The crowd was silent as Shekta fell to his knees, then to his back.
The Champion was dead.

Knight left the court. He was still dressed in his battle armour and he heard the official cry out his name as the official winner of the contest. The three judges had trialled him until they were satisfied that it had been an accident. After all, these things in these sorts of battles happened occasionally.
As Knight entered his room he saw the imposing figure of Vilo standing in the way. Knight said nothing and moved past the tall swordsman to take off the armour. Once he was done he laid down his sword and turned to leave.
‘Knight.’
‘What is it?’
‘What happened out there?’
‘I told you, Master Vilo,’ said Knight without turning. ‘I lost the pin during my walk. It must have slipped out. I guess I was too nervous to notice.’
‘I guess…’ said Vilo.
Vilo watched Knight pause at the door, his face hidden. A sadness crossed Vilo as Knight left the room, the door closing almost silently behind him. Vilo looked down at his clenched fist and slowly opened it, holding the pin he had found in Knight’s room during the fight.

[SHiKaMaRi]

Wah! Beautifully written. As expected from you~ s2
I like how you actually bother to write out the fighting scenes (unlike me), and explain it in detail. Your talents shouldn't be wasted!! Write more!!

[Rayster]

lol, thanks ..
i was afraid actually that the fight scenes might be a bit fast for the story... otherwise the rest of the *original* story is quite slow...

but anyway, thanks for the reply and for reading!!

[SHiKaMaRi]

Welcome~ I love reading stories... In my opinion, the fight scenes fitted just right in the story, and the quality of the rest were just as good. I just can't help but LOVE your stories. Damn, you're talented XD

[Rayster]

thankyou Shikamari, that's greatly appreciated...really

- btw do u hav any stories up here? i can't find any!!

man...i wish others would reply after reading...
*doesn't hav to be praise* :P

[SHiKaMaRi]

I shall PM you about that.. i cannot let sakashii or pooh_bear_winnie read it.. Those two will tell the whole world.

[sakashii]

wow.
amazing i think you've got yourself a HUGE FAN here.
lol. sakashii is now officially your number 1 fan! ><
its so detailed and really exciting, most people make boring stories, but your really creative. Love it lots. ><

[Lex]

Haven't had time to read all of your work yet but I must say it's pretty damn good from what I have seen, you might even get more fans than what I have! Next time I need help with a fight scene I'm asking you!

[Rayster]

lol - cool thanks Lex. I'd be honoured ^^

[*Ririn*]

hey Arrn-Car that was just amazing...you actually wrote a book of this last year?? maybe you should slowly post everything here cause now that you started im hoping you dont stop :)..your preety good write some more id love to read your work..

[Evanesque]

I wish I'd read this earlier...good stuff Decado!

[Rayster]

thanks Evanesque ^^

[Kriceº]

dun really find something that can't be matched into ur story .. perfect ? =/

[Rayster]

thanks for taking the time to read, and for ur wonderful comment Kriceº :)

[Kriceº]

its not a comment , its wad u deserved =]

[SHiKaMaRi]

Hello, krice~ Lol. Hope you don't mind that I saved the story in my computers, arrncar byakuya... A friend of mine wants to read it, so...

[Rayster]

sure no worries.
lolz... u can still call me that i don't mind

[RahxephoN]

decado thats awesome:D(and something else whoever reads that and doesn't praise you he must be a complete .*.*.*.*.! :D

[Rayster]

lol. thanks Rah - i'm just glad u like it. haha, ur last comment is very...... <<.... appreciative :D

i recommend my first story: Sheathed - it's a bit shorter but i'm sure u'd like it better .

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

[Mystify]

Righto, I've got this printed now so I can have a proper read of it during my more boring classes at school tomorrow. (I used up my remaining internet credit reading part of it today >.<). I shall return with a more filling comment tomorrow!

[Rayster]

i'll wait for it :)

[Nightcrawler]

YOUR STORY SUCKS!!!!

HAHA jus kiddin theyre fckin awesome man!!
i always knew you were talented!!

i got inspired so im drawing KNIGHT and i will post teh link!! :biggrinki

tlak to you l8rz man

[Rayster]

i thought u were serious for a sec. i was gonna give up my dream and stop writing cos ur opinion matters U FKEN JACKASS!!!!
@mods: not flamming - i know him. he doesn't care

lolz.. thanks man. that actually does mean a lot. read Sheathed.
i'm glad i inspired u.
*waits for more inspiration for self*

thanks again for reading and taking the time to comment.
*brotherly pat on the back and embrace*

[deathmage10]

Very good story I loved it :redbiggri

[deathmage10]

I hope your story come to be a anime show in the years to come =)

[Nightcrawler]

i read all your other ones man,
loved the names you used in sheathed, lol Aimar.
newayz, i think you should continue wif sheathed its sick ass storyline.
btw wat type of swords do they use? rapiers??

also i was thinking of drawing vincente (he was sorta like byakuya)

keep up teh uBER work man.

@mods: when ever decado swears at me, its ok i dont care :P

@ deathmage10: double posting is a risky business, combine your posts and delete one before the mods bankai your ass :P

@decado: *nods once*

[Rayster]

thanks KT and also thanks to deathmage10 for reading and taking the time to write a comment - every comment means something.
i'm glad u luved it - that's y i write :)


@KT: thanks for ur support. believe or not it does mean a lot.

err - the sword isn't a rapier. if it was i'd say. they're far to thin IMO for battle arena's. if the swords differ i'd say:
ie/
Sabre
Estoc
Seax
Two-handed swords
Shashka
Shortsword
etc etc

think of the ones in Bleach BEFORE they are released. those types

and thanks again man. glad u liked it. i know how critical u can be =P

[Nightcrawler]

oh yeah sorta like the one that mugen has in samurai champloo!

sick

*thinking ho to incorporate in art*

keep goin man, and youre dam rite i can be critical! :P

[Rayster]

haha. yeah..

wow, i'm glad i got u inspired to draw the characters. that's a killer combo. i write u draw. lolz, as deathmage10 said - we could eventually make a manga

*thinks far too big and brain explodes*

my goal is to publish a book eventually tho...

but hopefully more comes ^_^

[Nightcrawler]

HA!
BULLCRAP PUBLISH A BOOK!!

NOT UNTIL I READ IT LIKE 50 TIMES BAKA!!!!!

lol, yeh, im gonna read it and illustrate a cover before u publish!!!

also hopefully the mods dont whup our asses for pseudoflaming each other lol

:Domo

[Rayster]

lol. i'm sure they won't.

and not until u read it 50 times? ok. lol. i've written far more stories but i dare not submit it here....they were written a few years back like Sheathed was... but it's not as good cos i was in a foul mood in yr 9 (bad yr *not school-wise* tho) but my stories improved after that for some reason. bad experiences prob help...

[Nightcrawler]

but you have to let me illustrate the cover!!

no wait! you will let me illustarte! yeah thats rite fool!! :P

*waits eagerly for more knight*:biggrinki

[Rayster]

more Knight? doubt that..... tho i did take this chapter out of a story as i explained earlier

more Sheathed perhaps....

but definitely mroe Devoid (if i can be stuffed -on my HOLIDAYS!!) lolz.. nah. i luv to write

[Lizie]

wow ..that's cool..u got an amazing imagination ... very nice written..

[Rayster]

thanks Lizie ^^

[7th captin]

after reading it again and again all i can say is ......

it was really a fantastic story and i can't believe that you have so much talent.

if u decide to write other stories like knight story please let us know cuz u r really a talented writer and i love the way u write the story.

by the way can i save the story on my computer? cuz it really inspires me a lot since my major in college is english literature.

i will DEFINITELY read your third story.

see ya.

[Rayster]

as long as i don't find out it's been copied or nething.

don't copy!!! LOL - i'm thinking of actually submitting these as novels by expanding them since i took this out of a story.

THANKS, i'm glad u think i have talent, there IS another story i wrote like this: "Moon Blade"

i just posted it yesterday.....

[7th captin]

don't copy!

looool dont worry .

right now i will read your new story and as soon as i finish reading it i will replay.

see ya.

[Rayster]

after reading it again and again all i can say is ......
it was really a fantastic story and i can't believe that you have so much talent.
if u decide to write other stories like knight story please let us know cuz u r really a talented writer and i love the way u write the story.


thanks, i do have another which is ongoing: Devoid

[Nightcrawler]

i love the devoid updates but i want more moon blade plz!!

[Rayster]

serious..?

ok...

but the coming month i've got like 2 sets of relatives coming over.. so i highly doubt i'd get any chance to sit down and write =/

i should have something up by tonite tho. just for u :p

[Mighty Aramir]

Im impressed Decado. well actually not, youre very smart, and this is a perfect reflection of that, keep on writting, and PM as soon as you write more

[Rayster]

thanks Aramir, check out Sheathed then. it's my first Short story (that i submitted on CB)

just click my sig: "My Stories" and it should take u to the other 3. Once ur up to date, if i update the ongoing ones i'll PM u like u asked.

thanks for reading, glad u enjoyed it


edit: I've focused all my attention on MB now, so check that if u're interested instead