WMAT A1 Ciaran vs. Shizune Nakamura

WMAT A1 Ciaran vs. Shizune Nakamura
Date of Scene:	30 June 2014
Location:	Papaya Island - Stadium
Synopsis:	Current champion Shizune Nakamura takes on the dual-wielding assassin from Anor Londo, Ciaran!
Thanks to:	To Artorias, for the commentary!
Cast of Characters:	75, 85, 182, 268, 369, 396

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Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Late afternoon or early evening, depending on how you look at it, and the crowd is on their feet once again. The tournament grounds is ready for another full-force WMAT match, and this time it's with one of the faces they know best. A recurring competitor, and one that took the title in her first year of competition; now a full two years older and wiser, Shizune brings to the tournament more experience and just as much calm enthusiasm as ever.

As soon as the fighters are cleared to enter, she's out of the little building and up the steps, gratefully waving and bowing to the crowd, all the while moving off to take her position at one end of the large platform.

Ciaran (396) has posed:
Ciaran dislikes residing at the center of the world's attention. It runs rather contrary to her nature as an assassin, doesn't it? As one accustomed to shadows and stealth, she finds the stadium's spotlights almost abhorrent. 'Twould be enough to send her home again were her performance not also watched and rated by her fellows of the Four Knights. Perhaps Hawkeye is too gentle-hearted to render any judgment based on how she competes, but she /would/ prefer to do well by the Wolf's estimation...

Not her sole motivation, only a hefty one.

The heels of her boots click quietly across the arena's tiles as she approaches the center and Shizune. Once there, she crosses her forearms loosely at her chest, and bows to the former champion and martial arts practitioner, showing full respect. "I wish you luck," Ciaran says, her tone neutral. The divinity in her voice echoes behind the smirking porcelain mask she wears.

Straightening from her bow, she pulls her mismatched weapons from her hips, and enters a readied stance. The Gold Tracer is held horizontally at chest level, while its companion, the serrated Dark Silver Tracer, hovers back behind her left hip.

Artorias (182) has posed:
Artorias once again finds himself in the announcer's booth, doing his best to fit in the space built more for normal-sized people than giant knights. It's a struggle, but he manages, bending slightly over the desk. "The stadium is prepared and the crowd is invigorated! 'Tis certainly a match that hast drawn attention; likely our viewers art curious to see how well a first-time champion shall fare this year, particularly against one who showed such skill only a year prior! Both our competitors hath entered the arena now, and 'twould seem both art not victims of pride or brashness. Bows and greetings art exchanged before calm stances art taken, but I assure thee, fair audience, what follows shall be anything but calm!"

Gough (268) has posed:
There is a towering figure hunkered in the very back of the spectator stands. Yes, the back, because Hawkeye Gough is far too large to sit comfortably in the stands, and far too tall not to block a big portion of the view behind him! So he's relegated himself to the back, all twenty-five to thirty feet tall of him.

For once, he isn't carving a piece of archtree wood. He's carrying a few unfinished pieces, tied in twine and slung through his belt, and his knife is stuck through it as well. But no, in his hand is a vertical battle standard, emblazoned with the sigil of the Lord's Blade -- a hornet in flight.

It's a little crude, in a sweet, possibly homemade sort of way. One of the wings is cocked at a funny angle, and the head is a little lopsided.

He probably made it himself in anticipation of the match.

When Gough cheers his encouragement, it's in a voice that sounds like it came out of a mountain. There might be pebbles in his immediate vicinity quivering at the volume and the sheer /depth/.

"Show them thy unerring skill, little sister!" Gough calls cheerfully, holding the hornet standard high and waving cheerfully with his other hand. "May the Lord watch over thee!"

Kagenashi (85) has posed:
Kagenashi is here, too, sitting calm and quiet in the stands. Dressed in her mask and the vibrant red kimono she wore the other day when announcing for D and Samael's match, she's placed herself in a position where it would be hard for her to be missed. As much as she stands out, however, the nogitsune is calm and silent, hands folded in her lap with one leg crossed over the other.

She simply sits and watches. Silently judging.

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Ciaran, naturally, finds the bow quite gracefully and gratefully returned, Shizune's expression one of mixed anticipation and respect. "To you as well." She has nothing but a mortal's poise, but she wears it quite well, slipping into a calm Tai Chi ready stance, pausing to size the assassin up for a moment. During that time, her eyes dart to the side briefly, looking over the crowd... and catching sight of Kagenashi.

The frown is only there for a fraction of a second, but it's there.

No. Focus. Nothing matters but the opponent in front of you. Shizune takes a deep breath, in, then out, and the dust around her feet ripples very faintly. There is a second of stillness...

And then she's moving across the arena at a dead run, beginning the match with a simple leaping spin kick - which proves to be a feint, a play to raise Ciaran's guard high enough that Shizune can dart under it with a quick palm strike. "Haa!"

Ciaran (396) has posed:
Ciaran's eyes flick to the side, but she is not quick enough to spot the source of Shizune's trouble; if she had, she might utter a more accurate reassurance. Mistaking the girl's unease for anxiety, she flicks the end of her gilded scimitar and scoffs, "The crowd is nothing; think only of the stage."

Ah -- Shizune is a fast one! Ciaran takes her own advice and puts aside all other considerations except for the battle. Shizune's twisting kick indeed leads her astray, but Ciaran is nimble, too, and possessing quick reflexes: she reacts not only to the feint, but the palm strike, too! A spin one way, a twist the next -- she becomes a graceful whirl, and Shizune's attack finds little purchase.

In the midst of her spin, she lashes out to /thwack/ her opponent using the flat of her sword. Ciaran aims for Shizune's hip, to hamper momentum.

Ezio Auditore (75) has posed:
Ezio has been meaning to observe Ciaran in action properly, and he got wind of Shizune taking part in the tournament as well. So here he is, arrving with snacks in hand. As he grabs a seat, he notes Gough and Kagenashi.

He sits forwards, munching a slice of pizza while the fight commences.

Artorias (182) has posed:
Artorias gives an excited clap of his hands when the match starts. "And so it begins! Lady Shizune rusheth across the arena to open the battle with a leap and a spin - oh, 'tis a feint! Her true strike cometh from below, a blow from her hand rather than a kick! Lady Ciaran is a quick one, however; though her guard is lifted for the feint, she still twisteth aside to avoid the brunt of the true hit, striking Lady Shizune upon the hip with the flat of her sword in passing! Lady Shizune will need more than that to catch the Hornet off her guard, 'twould seem. Let us hope she hast more up her sleeve as the battle continueth!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Shizune finds herself surprised by her opponent's agility; the two of them are far more similar than she'd expected, and she takes a blow to her hip during the exchange as a result. She comes out of it taking a few cautious steps back, dropping into another ready stance; wider, more open, with one arm forward, lowered slightly and curled upward, while the other is behind her, lifted higher and curled down. A yin-and-yang stance.

She does smile faintly, though. "I'm more than used to the crowd by now. But thank you for your concern, regardless." Respect between opponents has always been a big thing for her.

Her next step is to move in more cautiously, shifting out of that stance to one that suits mobility a bit more. Circling, edging closer. Fighting an opponent with blades leaves her at a reach disadvantage, something she has to make up for in any way she can... such as, say, rushing in and feinting low, only to whirl up in a high kick aimed straight for Ciaran's chest - with an invisible burst of ki creating all the more impact.

Ciaran (396) has posed:
The energized kick hits Ciaran directly; however, the clever assassin knows how to take her blows, and she rolls backwards limp and fluid. What force is not negated by her controlled reaction is absorbed by the chestplate she wears. None of this is to say she is not duly impressed; coming back to her feet, she lets out a breathless sigh of satisfaction, and nods once. "Very good!"

As aggressive as her namesake, the Hornet returns to the engagement without pause. The Gold Tracer leads her charge, weaving a liquid pattern of light through the air. Shizune is disciplined, and may not find the light distracting -- the moreso for how well-lit the stadium is -- but she may still find her eye attracted. Perhaps, her focus lured away from the coming Ciaran, she will be caught vulnerable? The Dark Silver thrusts forward like a stinger.

It is not a trick Ciaran expects will work more than once.

Should the blow land, Shizune will become aware of something unusual: Ciaran wields a blunted dagger. Though it appears wickedly serrated, none of its tines and edges actually cut or stab. It's a bit like being struck by a fencing blade. Bruising? Yes. Lethal? Far from it.

The same could not be said for the Gold Tracer; its edge is clearly very keen.

Artorias (182) has posed:
"Oh, 'twould seem Lady Shizune hast not escaped the exchange without a strike upon her! Lady Ciaran is quick, but her speed shall not faze our former World Champion. Lady Shizune merely entereth another stance before she circleth Lady Ciaran, this time approaching with much more caution. Something I surely encourage; Lady Ciaran is undoubtedly one to take advantage of the smallest opening!" Artorias gives a good-natured laugh at that. "Ah, and once more she striketh! Lady Shizune darteth into close quarters to deliver a kick to the Lord's Blade's chest!"

"But Lady Ciaran taketh it well; the Lord's Blade falleth backward, accepting the kick's momentum rather than going against it. Something I myself hath not learned to do at all, I must sadly admit. Ah, the Hornet shall not be giving Lady Shizune a moment to rest, for she chargeth in once more with the dance of the Gold Tracer! A tactic meant to confuse and distract, one that many hath fallen to in less amicable arenas, for it createth an opening for the blade of silver to strike!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
The flicker and dance of the Gold Tracer has Shizune wary, the flourish of the weapon obviously meant to draw the eye - but that says nothing about where the next strike will be coming from, or what sort of blow it will be. She tries to anticipate, but ends up being wrong, and her last-instant reaction is only enough to turn it from a straight-on jab into one that 'glances' rather heavily off her abdomen, causing her to stumble back several steps. A solid blow indeed. When she comes to a stop, she's back in that ready stance, her expression all busines... save for one brief flicker, and a yell to the side.

"/Former/ champion! I lost last year!" Not one to accept praise she doesn't feel she's earned, it seems.

But it's only a moment's distraction, and then they're back to the wary, circling dance, Shizune watching her opponent cautiously. Feints seem to have little effect, Ciaran's guard is strong, and she's agile. The young martial artist considers for a moment, then decides on her plan, launching a straight-ahead blow that isn't quite a feint, in that it isn't meant to create an opening. Rather, it is intended to put Ciaran's guard where she can reach it.

The first true blow goes for Ciaran's wrist, a grazing palm strike that will feel like a full-on blow thanks to the angle and a backing of ki. The second darts towards the inside of her other forearm, a backhand with much the same property. Only then does she drive her fist in straight for the assassin's chest, with a much louder, "HAA!"

Ciaran (396) has posed:
Perhaps Shizune misjudged Ciaran's preparedness? Or maybe she has hit upon an unexpected weakness in the Lord's Blade! Whatever the reason behind its success, Shizune can hardly complain! The ki-enhanced strike to Ciaran's gauntleted wrist lands so successfully, she is left briefly without the weapon for which her title is named. The Gold Tracer -- ever ready to provide a flexible, lively guard -- goes bouncing across the tiles. Ciaran's wrist is numbed, and a cry of pain is knocked from her, too.

The surprise leaves her open for Shizune's second hit, another potent success, but not as effective: Ciaran retains the Dark Silver.

Before the third blow can properly land, she is bending into a backwards arch and flipping herself to where the Gold Tracer lies. As she flips, the long claw-like extensions on the toes of her boots come up to threaten the underside of Shizune's chin. Whatever the results of her attempted counter, Ciaran gets away only grazed by Shizune's dedicated fist.

The claws on Ciaran's fingertips scrape against the cement tiles as she recovers her Gold Tracer.

Artorias (182) has posed:
"Lady Shizune attempteth to evade, but our Hornet is quick! The blade still landeth upon her abdomen, though...'twould seem there is not much of an injury. I suppose Lady Ciaran must be wielding a less lethal blade for this match! I do not blame her, considering that merely touching that Tracer can often mean death." Artorias suddenly pauses, then gives a brief, awkward cough. "Many apologies, ladies and gentlemen. 'Twould appear Lady Shizune wouldst rather be referred to as our /former/ World Champion. I shalt be certain to remember this!" He lifts a hand to give Shizune a wave of acknowledgement.

"In any case, the battle continueth! Lady Shizune hast delivered a straight blow to Lady Ciaran's wrist to disarm her! 'Tis not the last, either, for as the Gold Tracer is knocked aside, she continueth with several more at different points." Artorias suddenly sounds a little anxious. "Lady Ciaran's agility is put to the test this day. She recovereth quickly, and avoideth the third strike with a backflip toward her discarded sword! 'Tis not merely an evasion, for she striketh as well with a kick to Shizune to keep the girl at bay as she recovereth her weapon!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Shizune's head jerks aside on pure instinct, but as committed to the third blow as she is, she can't quite avoid the counterattack. A series of thin lines are scored along the martial artist's cheek, her glasses only just avoiding damage that might disadvantage her for the fight. By the time Ciaran's feet hit the ground again, the lines have welled up with a faint trickle of red, but the drawing of blood doesn't seem to slow the council prez down in the least.

Indeed, now that she has the momentum, she presses it - a perfect employment of the yin-and-yang philosophy of her art, advancing on a retreating foe. She keeps moving forward, keeps close, trying to stay inside the effective reach of those twin daggers. And her next blow is a disabling strike, a fist driven straight to the solar plexus, meant to wind Ciaran, to further reduce her effectiveness going forward both from the difficulty in breathing and from the lingering pain.

Ciaran (396) has posed:
It's pure desperation what saves Ciaran this time: she bends in half like a reed to the wind, once more arching backwards until her braid touches the ground. Anyone lacking less than stellar muscular control and strength would topple over at the angle Ciaran takes. She must be amazing at limbo.

Then, Ciaran pops up to breathlessly retake the offensive. It seems she is putting her all into her defense. It's a costly tactic, but a necessary one if hopes to defeat the likes of Shizune Nakamura.

Another trick is employed Ciaran does not expect to work a second time -- her mask. The Cyclops Mask is a gift representative of her high station, and it carries a power all its own. Similar to the enchantments forged into her Gold Tracer, the Cyclops Mask can confuse and stun Ciaran's opponents, and it's this she hopes to use to good effect. A brilliant flash is all Shizune sees, no more, but that alone may give Ciaran the opportunity to dart in and punch at Shizune's ribcage with both her sword hilts.

Artorias (182) has posed:
"'Tis another clean strike! Lady Ciaran's boot grazeth upon Lady Shizune's face even as she attempteth to evade! Still, 'tis only a moment long enough for Lady Ciaran to regain her blade, for Lady Shizune darteth into the fray once more. Her next strike is a solid blow, clearly meant to wind Lady Ciaran, but our Hornet once more displayeth her agility! Nearly like a sheet of cloth, she bendeth back out of the way of the blow before rising once more! Incredible; 'tis a wonder she did not simply /fall/. Once more she regaineth the offensive, and - oh, she is making use of the mask of the Lord's Blade! 'Tis an art meant to disarm the mind, and perhaps its cyclopean glare shall stun Lady Shizune long enough for the Hornet's next blow to hit: a strike of both sword hilts nearly in a mirror to Lady Shizune's last attack!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Sometimes, in a fight, the fickle hand of fortune is as important as skill and physical ability. When Ciaran goes horizontal, the young lady immediately shifts her stance and draws back defensively, with the result that as the flash is going off, Shizune's arm is coming around to a defensive posture - and it happens to be right in front of Ciaran's mask when the flash happens. She's spared the worst of it, enough that she simply sees spots as the assassin comes back up.

The motion in her perephiral vision is enough to give her time to act.

She turns herself aside, Ciaran's right arm glancing off her upper abdomen with enough force to bruise. But her own arm comes around, quickly looping around both those wrists at once, trying to draw them up against herself. The idea is to pin both arms to herself and lock Ciaran in place with her right arm just long enough to bring her fist around and drive it into the shoulder of the Lord's Blade.

Ciaran (396) has posed:
"Nnh -- !"

At this close a proximity, it is easy to see the startlement widening Ciaran's eyes. Shizune's pinning grab is unexpected! The tactic ends up serving the girl well, too, as Ciaran is rendered temporarily immobile. No bends or twists can take her away from the oncoming punch. Gasping at the impact, frustrated by her immobility, Ciaran wrenches herself away messily, her balance sacrificed.

Somewhere in the twist, she manages to pass both swords into one hand. The newly-freed hand stretches wide and flicks toward Shizune, releasing a pair of slender throwing knives. The knives themselves are in no danger of dealing a truly lethal blow, but a lucky hit could leave a mark, and what's more, the poison they bear is no laughing matter. It is the kind of poison designed to slow the muscles and confuse the senses -- more mind-numbing tricks!

Artorias (182) has posed:
Artorias gives another excited yet frustrated clap of his hands, as if his favorite team barely missed a goal. "Ah, Lady Shizune is fortunate! Her arm hast blocked the effects of the cyclops eye, granting her the openness of mind to react to Lady Ciaran's next strike. Ah...my apologies, this is not the sort of combat I am skilled in analyzing. In summary, however, Lady Shizune hast deflected Lady Ciaran's strike and hast tangled them both, and is using that opportunity to strike upon the Lord's Blade's shoulder!"

Artorias winces a little. "'Tis a clean strike, as well, but Lady Ciaran hast managed to free herself from that entanglement. Oh - one hand is free of its blade, intentionally so! Lady Ciaran maketh use of it to toss throwing knives Lady Shizune's way, keeping the former World Champion at bay!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
As her opponent draws away, Shizune adopts a wary stance, watching for the next move... only to be surprised when throwing knives are lobbed her way. She twists too late yet again, and each knife draws more than a little blood in passing, one long cut along each of her biceps. She settles back into a more cautious, ready-to-move posture... and then frowns, the muscles in her biceps tensing briefly.

"...poison," she observes, the frown leaving her face for a simple raised eyebrow.

And then she breathes deep. In, out. Nice and slow. Force the ki to flow. Soothe the body's reactions, blunt the poison. Bolster her already-strong resistance.

"I'm sorry, but poison won't avail you in this fight."

But bloodloss will. And that's starting to mount up. So she resolves to pick up the pace. It's another aggressive dash in this time, covering the distance rapidly, only to suddenly spring up at the last second. Her feet lash out rapidly, left-right-left, as if running in the air; three swift kicks towards Ciaran's face before she drops down, spins about, and attempts to drive her shoe up into the assassin's stomach again. "TOAAH!"

Ciaran (396) has posed:
For a moment, Ciaran is smiling. "You can't blame me for trying, can you? Your resistance is incredible, for a human. I would expect you to be slowing down right away if you were not so -- "

Shizune proves without a doubt how slowed down she /isn't/.

It's a good thing the mask Ciaran wears is nigh-indestructible! Shizune's kicks all land squarely. The first kick snaps her head back and upsets her balance. The rest land before Ciaran has fallen, pounding concussive force into the Hornet's skull. The helm she wears does little to absorb the blows, and when she's laid out on the ground, her mask is knocked askew, the lower half of her face partway bared. So sternly struck is she, the edge of her mask has been driven in deep enough to open a gash across her cheek! It bleeds profusely, and she groans in protest.

Ciaran gets up wobbly. Her helm and mask are both righted, but she is still dizzy afterward, and her steps lack surety.

Oh, why not go with it?

Ciaran returns her swords to their respective hands, and becomes a sharp-edged drunken dervish, spinning in a rush toward Shizune. The Gold Tracer weaves its web of light, and the Dark Silver Tracer follows, a stinging dance partner to Ciaran's deadly grace. Both weapons strike, sometimes together, sometimes not, but as cautioned before, it's the cutting Gold Tracer which hurts the most!

Artorias (182) has posed:
"Ooh, 'tis not a clean evasion on the part of Lady Shizune. She suffereth no small injury from the Lord's Blade's thrown knives, but immediately after entereth a defensive stance to prepare to continue the fight. Though...hm. 'Twould seem something hast given her pause. Perhaps those knives were not solely what they appeared to be? 'Twould not be unexpected for the Lord's Blade to carry debilitating substances upon her weapons. Whatever the case may be, Lady Shizune hast entered the fray once more in an aggressive rush, sprinting toward Lady Ciaran with remarkable speed! Ah - she hast leaped into the air, delivering kick after kick upon the Lord's Blade with yet another to crown the assault once she landeth again!"

Another sympathetic wince from Artorias, the Abysswalker leaning back slightly in his seat. "'Tis a powerful series of strikes, to be sure, knocking Lady Ciaran to the ground. At least that helm is more durable than 'twould appear, but she is uneven as she riseth to her feet once more. Still, 'twill take more than that to force the Lord's Blade down, and once more she taketh her blades in each hand! Ah, and what a fantastic spectacle she becometh! 'Tis a blinding whirl of gold and silver, quite literally, as Lady Ciaran entereth a beautiful and deadly dance against Lady Shizune! 'Twill take all the girl's focus to endure this, most assuredly!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
Sometimes the only way to survive a storm is to dive right into it. And so Shizune does, moving into melee with her hands shifting and weaving in readiness to turn aside or blunt strikes. It is a testament to Shizune's skill that she is able to survive such a flurry at all, hands darting this way and that, slapping a wrist here, shoving a forearm there, preventing more than one strike from doing more than laying open a new cut on her arms. One is pushed aside entirely, just barely grazing the martial artist's cheek, and then the last manages to slip her defenses and open a deeper slice along her abdomen.

But in that moment, something clicks. The rhythm suddenly becomes clear. And she flows through her movements without thinking.

Ciaran's right arm is pushed aside, and in the same movement Shizune whips herself around, spinning to her own right to lend herself momentum. All that momentum comes around in her right leg, her upper body shifting horizontal to lend just that extra bit of force to the kick she drives in at exactly the right moment to slam into Ciaran's abdomen. "SEI!"

Ciaran (396) has posed:
The Lord's Blade snaps in half at the waist again, but this time it's no graceful display of flexibility: an agonized, muffled cough of a groan escapes in the same instant her breath is blasted from her lungs. Kidneys throbbing, diaphragm twitchy, lungs burning, every gasp a shuddering failure, Ciaran falters and collapses onto her hands and knees, where she stays for what feels like an eternity.

In truth, it's only another moment before she's on her feet again. Once more, the vertical eye in her mask flares in a shocking burst of light, and under its blinding cover, the Hornet twirls away, her feet a mere whisper of sound.

Another burst of light follows unexpectedly -- this time, a holy power washes across the fighting ring, emanating from a talisman flung from Ciaran's hand. Together, the two powers distract and confuse, becoming a veil to obscure Ciaran's true intention.

Like any good assassin, she attacks from behind. First, one sword hilt punches into the soft spot behind one of Shizune's kidneys. Afterward, Ciaran spins low, using the hooked toe of her boot to trip Shizune up into meeting the next sword's hilt with her nose.

Artorias (182) has posed:
"What skill! Rather than attempt to get away, Lady Shizune hast pushed herself into the fray to parry and block Lady Ciaran's strikes! 'Tis certainly not a perfect tactic, for I can see many assaults landing upon Lady Shizune, but she still manageth to keep from being rendered little more than ribbons against Lady Ciaran's sharp dexterity! She must surely retaliate soon, however, for I do not think even she can - OH! In a sudden counter, Lady Shizune parryeth the Hornet's arm and in the same motion spinneth to deliver a strong kick to Lady Ciaran's abdomen!"

Artorias leans forward in his seat, then, hands on the desk. "Ah...'tis quite the painful strike upon Lady Ciaran. She hast fallen to hands and knees after Lady Shizune's attack, but surely she is not out yet! 'Twill only be a matter of time...yes, there 'tis! A flash of the cyclopean eye masketh her sudden rise to her feet, and - ah! A Lloyd's Talisman, cleanser of the undead! Lady Shizune is surely not cursed, but the twin bursts will surely be enough to distract her against Lady Ciaran's next strike - /from behind/! The cover is enough for the Hornet to come behind Lady Shizune and strike her with a quick series of attacks to stun the girl and bring her feet out from under her!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
The flash of light catches Shizune off guard this time, bringing her a moment of flash-blindness that she knows instantly will cost her. She drops back into a wary stance, slowly turning herself, trying to make sure the Lord's Blade has very little opportunity to come at her back, and focusing on her other senses until she can properly see again. That's when the second burst of light hits, and while the mental effects seem to roll off of her - those with strong spiritual senses might catch the simple strength and clarity of her ki flow insulating her - it's enough of a distraction to her senses to leave her wide open.

"Ghk!" She takes the blow to the kidney hard, bending backwards only to have her feet swept out from under her, bringing her to the floor hard. She /really/ felt that one, and combined with her other injuries it's going to slow her down rather badly. But even now, she seems willing to push herself.

Rather than pop back up to her feet, Shizune reaches down and behind herself, planting her feet and levering her legs up, using her weight and momentum to bring herself up into a handstand. She lets her legs keep going, whipping them around until they set her spinning, and then parting them as if doing a front-back split. The end result is a whirling, advancing martial artist, keeping her monetum up through sheer arm strength and balance as her legs snap out at Ciaran again and again.

Ciaran (396) has posed:
Ciaran backsteps in hasty avoidance, but owing to her injury and her breathlessness, she isn't quite as fast as she could be -- certainly not fast enough. Shizune's heels clip her thrice before she's tripped up in her own gracelessness and struck more soundly for a resounding blow that pushes her backwards with considerably less control.

Like Shizune, she attempts to adopt the momentum to her advantage. Ciaran drops into a backwards roll and pops up onto the balls of her feet several yards away. If she's not as upright as she could be, it's understandable: she has taken a real beating.

From there, she simply charges in. Once more, the Gold Tracer leads, creating a complex pattern of lights and slashes to lure Shizune off her guard. Baiting Shizune to the left and the left again, Ciaran tries to open up Shizune's defenses for a quick and precisely-aimed jab between the rib bones.

Artorias (182) has posed:
Another quick, excited clap from Artorias. "'Tis a blow for a blow! Lady Shizune hast been knocked clean to the ground by Lady Ciaran's strike! This has certainly been a riveting match, ladies and gentlemen, for these combatants appear to be at nearly the same level of skill; when one cometh out on top, the other swiftly surpasseth her! Whoever may yet win is no clearer than when the match began! Oh - Lady Shizune hast not risen to her feet, but her hands instead! Incredible; she is kicking out at Lady Ciaran again and again, all while keeping herself upright solely with her arms!"

"Lady Ciaran appeareth to be hindered slightly by her own injuries. These blows come dangerously close - ah, one hast struck her soundly, knocking her back! But our Hornet is agile, and useth her momentum to her advantage, rolling with the impact and rising up once again. Immediately she chargeth in against Lady Shizune, and those ribbons of light flare up as she leadeth the girl off to the side...and into her waiting blade!"

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
And only once Ciaran is back and out of range toes Shizune bring her legs back together and let the sudden shift in balance bring her feet back to the ground, popping up onto her feet just as the assassin is rising. She's ready just in time for the oncoming charge, but this time it seems she's seen through the movements of the Gold Tracer. She shifts, her hand darting and moving in readiness without quite committing to any particular defense, and when that jab comes in next, her right hand moves to meet it, halting the blunt blade before it can leave more than a light mark.

And then her left shifts around in what is almost a windmill, and both spread apart at once with surprising force, shoving both arms wide with the goal of leaving the Lord's Blade wide open.

It's an all-or-nothing gamble. The martial artist leans her weight back, brings her right leg up, and kicks. And kicks again. And again. Without giving her left leg a rest, forcing her already-tired muscles to support her weight through a continuous attack that uses every ounce of body strength both for attack and to simply hold herself in place, she delivers a rapid-fire series of kicks, again and again, ten in total, each hitting with the literal force of a jackhammer. "YAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Ciaran (396) has posed:
Ciaran's guard is flung open; her eyes, too, become shockingly wide. Horror fills her. She is helpless.

The tempest of kicks pummels the last of the Lord's Blade resolve into dust. Armor dented, ribs cracked, her short breaths made gaspy and wheezing, she lies on the floor of the stadium with one hand raised in limp yield. When she can, she rolls onto her hands and knees. The lower portion of her mask is lifted enough for the assassin to spit the blood from her mouth.

Sounding hoarse, she makes her surrender plain: "Thou art worthy of the title once more. I surrender to thee, Shizune Nakamura, and wish the Lord's blessings upon thee in thy next match. W-well fought..."

Ciaran sets her mask straight, and sits up on her knees to cross her wrists over her heart and once more offer a slight bow to Shizune.

She feels like she could collapse at any second.

Artorias (182) has posed:
"Lady Shizune hast risen to her feet once more, just before Lady Ciaran cometh to her side. Ah, the Gold Tracer's confusing dance seemeth not to hold as much effect on the girl now! Her hand cometh across to block the Dark Silver Tracer's strike, and her other hand cometh to open Lady Ciaran's guard! Oh - oh, by the Lord, 'tis a fantastic series of kicks Lady Shizune striketh with next! The Lord's Blade is sent to the ground, but...ah, she hast delivered the signal to yield. 'Tis certainly reasonable; both combatants look quite beaten by now, but 'tis Lady Ciaran who hast chosen to concede first." The Wolf gives a brief sigh, but quickly shakes his head and rises to his feet, applauding jovially nonetheless. "An excellent duel on both sides! Truly 'twas an outstanding match to observe from start to finish, and both combatants fought to their utmost ability!"

With that, once the field is open, Artorias slips out of the booth to stride over to meet the combatants. Mostly Ciaran, to ensure that she can make it out of the stadium safely, but Shizune deserves congratulations too.

Shizune Nakamura (369) has posed:
After the last kick, Shizune holds her right leg level. Her entire body still. And then slowly, carefully, she brings that leg around, turning herself to face Ciaran and lowering her foot to the ground once again. She holds her stance, her expression still the calm, stern mask of a challenge... until the match is ceded.

And then she lets out a breath and stumbles to one side, the fatigue of the match hitting her all at once now that it's over. But of course, there is respect to show for a match well-fought, and Shizune forces her body to cooperate in exactly that: She stands straight again, and bows deeply at the waist, right fist pressed into left palm, while a warm smile lights her face up. "Thank you for both the praise and the match, Lord's Blade Ciaran. You gave me a difficult fight, and for that I can only be grateful." Artorias receives a respectful nod as well.